1.4.8 Maths Skill: Calculating pH

The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula:

\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]

[H⁺] represents the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution.
For example, if the hydrogen ion concentration is 1 × 10⁻⁹, then the pH is 9.

lightbulbExample

Example Problem: Calculate the pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration $[H^+]$ of $1 \times 10^{-5}$ .

Solution:

Use the pH Formula: $\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]$
Substitute the Value of [H⁺]: $\text{pH} = -\log_{10}(1 \times 10^{-5})$
Calculate the Logarithm: $\text{pH} = -(-5) = 5$ Answer:

The pH of the solution is 5.

Importance of pH in Enzyme Activity:

pH affects enzyme shape by disrupting bonds in the tertiary structure of the enzyme, which can alter the shape of the active site and affect enzyme function.
Each enzyme has an optimum pH at which it works best. For example, pepsin, an enzyme in the stomach, functions well in very acidic conditions. This formula is essential for calculating pH values and understanding how changes in pH impact enzyme activity.

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