Question
Soap is made from a strong base and oil. Do you think the pH of soap is 4 or 9?
Answers
Should not you tell us?
#pH=-log_10[H_3O^+]# by definition.Explanation:
In water, autoprotolysis occurs, and
#[H_3O^+][HO^-]=10^-14# under standard conditions.If we take
#-log_10# of both sides of the expression:
#-log_10[H_3O^+]-log_10[HO^-]=-log_(10)10^-14# But
#-log_(10)10^-14=14# by definition, because#log_aB# is the power to which we raise the base#a# to get#B# .Also by definition,
#pH=-log_10[H_3O^+]# and#pOH=-log_10[HO^-]# .Thus
#pH+pOH=14# At neutrality,
#[HO^-]=[H_3O^+]# , and thus#pH=pOH=7# , that is the concentrations of hydroxide ion and hydronium ions are EQUAL. If#pH<7# , the solution is acidic, and#pH>7# , the solution is basic. Your#pH=9# , which suggest what with respect to#[HO^-]# ?It is worthwhile getting these definitions right. They are fairly simple and logical, and problems based on
#pH# can become routine. If you have a problem, or if I have glossed over a step you do not understand, ask for clarification and someone here will help you.