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A Guide To PH Measurement: - The Theory and Practice of Laboratory PH Applications

This document provides an introduction to pH measurement, including: - pH values indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, with higher pH meaning lower H+ concentration. pH is measured using a pH electrode and reference electrode system. - Applications of pH measurement include quality control and regulation of chemical and biological processes. Proper pH control is important for manufacturing, costs, safety, and more. - Troubleshooting guides and electrode storage techniques are discussed to ensure accurate pH readings. Principles of potentiometric titration and factors that influence pH values like temperature are also covered.

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Harwinder Singh
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73 views5 pages

A Guide To PH Measurement: - The Theory and Practice of Laboratory PH Applications

This document provides an introduction to pH measurement, including: - pH values indicate the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, with higher pH meaning lower H+ concentration. pH is measured using a pH electrode and reference electrode system. - Applications of pH measurement include quality control and regulation of chemical and biological processes. Proper pH control is important for manufacturing, costs, safety, and more. - Troubleshooting guides and electrode storage techniques are discussed to ensure accurate pH readings. Principles of potentiometric titration and factors that influence pH values like temperature are also covered.

Uploaded by

Harwinder Singh
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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A GUIDE TO pH

MEASUREMENT
- the theory and practice of laboratory pH applications

1
INTRODUCTION

This guide to pH measurement has been produced to accompany the latest development in
laboratory pH technology.

As well as an insight into the theoretical aspects of pH measurement, sections covering


applications and electrode troubleshooting have been included to make this a comprehensive
review of the subject.
CONTENTS

Page

Section 1 pH measurement: Basic theory and practice 4


●why are pH values measured? 4
●how are pH values measured? 5
●pH measuring system 8
●temperature compensation 10

Section 2 Laboratory measurements 13


●applications of pH measurement 15

Section 3 pH electrode systems 21


●troubleshooting guide 21
●electrode storage 26

Section 4 Principles of electrochemistry 27


●the theory of potentiometric titrations (Nernst Equation) 27
●potential of the pH measuring system 29
●correlation of concentration and activity 34
●buffer solutions 36
●calibration 40
●relationship between pH value and temperature 40
●phenomena in the case of special measuring solutions 44
●glossary of terms relating to pH 47
SECTION 1 pH Measurement: Basic theory and practice

Why are pH values measured?

The qualitative determination of the pH value of foodstuffs is probably the oldest analysis
method in the world. All foodstuffs are tested with the taste organs. Thereby some are noticed
to be acidic and some to be alkaline. With modern pH electrodes these taste sensations
can be measured in exact figures (see fig. 1).

acid neutral alkaline

pH 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 pH 14

distilled water (7.0)


milk (6.6)
coffee (5.0)
beer (4.4)
orange juice (3.7)
fruit vinegar (3.2)
cola beverages (2.8)

Fig. 1: pH values of various foodstuffs

Whether something is perceived as acidic or alkaline depends on the hydrogen ion


(H+) concentration in the solution.

The pH value is defined, by the Sorenson Equation, as the negative logarithm of the H+
concentration in a given solution (see table 1).
In other words, at a high concentration, e.g. 1 mol/L = 10 0, pH = 0 (ACIDIC)
at a low concentration, e.g. 10-14 mol/L, pH = 14 (ALKALINE)

Hence, different substances are objectively compared with each other, where pH 0 is
extremely acidic, pH 14 extremely alkaline, and pH 7 neutral.

In the last few years the measuring of pH has gained in importance. In the control and
regulation of chemical and biological processes, it has become indispensable to monitor
the pH values.
Thanks to accurate pH control it is possible to:

● manufacture a product with defined attributes


● produce a product at low cost
● prevent damage to the environment, materials and humans
● satisfy legal regulations
● gain further knowledge in research

range pH H+ concentration (mol/L) OH- concentration (mol/L)

0 1 0,00000000000001
1 0,1 0,0000000000001
2 0,01 0,000000000001
acid 3 0,001 0,00000000001
4 0,0001 0,0000000001
5 0,00001 0,000000001
6 0,000001 0,00000001
neutral 7 0,0000001 0,0000001
8 0,00000001 0,000001
9 0,000000001 0,00001
10 0,0000000001 0,0001
alkaline 11 0,00000000001 0,001
12 0,000000000001 0,01
13 0,0000000000001 0,1
14 0,00000000000001 1

Table 1: pH scale

How are pH values measured?

In order to measure a pH value, a measuring electrode (pH electrode) and a reference


electrode are needed. In many cases, a combination electrode, housing both measuring and
reference elements, is used.

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