Logs and pH

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module you should be able to:

  • Work with very large and very small numbers by converting between log and linear scales, using logarithms (to the base 10) and anti-logarithms.
  • Use the log scale of hydrogen ion concentration (pH) to determine the acidity of a solution.
  • Determine the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution from its pH.
1: When size matters
2: There must be a better way!
3: The log is the power!
4: What about other numbers?
5: And what about SMALL numbers?
6: Your turn with other numbers
7: Antilogs
8: Measuring the power of an earthquake
9: Measuring acidity
10: Differences in acidity: Here are two problems
11: Summary