pH ratio question

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BWM95

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Can someone just explain to me how you know to divide 1/100, instead of 100/1 like I did?

I knew that B and C are wrong, & and I understand that there is a 100x difference in [H+]
 
The question boils down to a ratio of [H+] at pH = 6 to [H+] at pH = 4. The 100 part comes from the log scale (which you clearly got right). The next step is to consider whether there is more hydronium at pH = 4 or pH = 6. The lower pH has greater [H+], so the correct answer is a ratio of (a smaller number) : (a bigger number), so it must be 1 : 100.

The fraction must be set up in the ration described in the passage.
 
The question boils down to a ratio of [H+] at pH = 6 to [H+] at pH = 4. The 100 part comes from the log scale (which you clearly got right). The next step is to consider whether there is more hydronium at pH = 4 or pH = 6. The lower pH has greater [H+], so the correct answer is a ratio of (a smaller number) : (a bigger number), so it must be 1 : 100.

The fraction must be set up in the ration described in the passage.

I cant believe I didnt realize that, thanks so much for the help!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Instead of remembering which one to put on top, it's easier to just convert the question stem into an equation.

Ratio of A-to-B means A/B.

Therefore, ratio of [H+] at pH 6 (highest activity) to [H+] at pH 4 (lowest activity) is given by the pH equation. That is, 10^-pH = [H+].

Thus, this reduces to 10^-6/10^-4, which if you remember the rules for division of exponentials, is 10^-2.
 
Instead of remembering which one to put on top, it's easier to just convert the question stem into an equation.

Ratio of A-to-B means A/B.

Therefore, ratio of [H+] at pH 6 (highest activity) to [H+] at pH 4 (lowest activity) is given by the pH equation. That is, 10^-pH = [H+].

Thus, this reduces to 10^-6/10^-4, which if you remember the rules for division of exponentials, is 10^-2.

That makes sense, thanks I appreciate it!


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
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