Calculate pH of 4.41 M HCl Water Solution

[CroSinus]

Homework Statement

Hello everybody,
How can I calculate pH value of 4.41 M HCl water solution? Is it possible for such a solution to exist?

Thank you very much for your help,
CroSinus

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

When I try to find - log 4.41 I get a negative value. I do not know how to interpret my result.

 

[Bystander]

When I try to find - log 4.41 I get a negative value. I do not know how to interpret my result.

What is the definition of pH?

 

[epenguin]

You can have a negative pH, though it is certainly wrong in your case and corresponds to > 1M strong acid.

 

[CroSinus]

You can have a negative pH, though it is certainly wrong in your case and corresponds to > 1M strong acid.

Are you trying to tell me that a water solution with such a high molarity (4.41 M) is not possible?

Thank you very much,
CroSinus​

 

[CroSinus]

What is the definition of pH?

I think I used an adequate definition formula for pH:
pH = - log (H+). Since HCl is a strong acid I assumed that c(HCl) = c(H+).

Thank you very much for your help,
Cro​

 

[epenguin]

I’m sorry I must have misread your post. Your assumption is OK and the pH should be negative.

 

[Bystander]

pH = - log (H+). Since HCl is a strong acid I assumed that c(HCl) = c(H+).

That's it. There is no need to "interpret."

 

[symbolipoint]

Students who become concerned with extreme pH's in water solution are more likely to miss the theory when they try to take a look at a pH for an extremely alkaline solution, excessive amount of hydroxide ions. pH relates to hydronium ion concentration related to dissociation of water. Borek or somebody can explain this better.

 

[mjc123]

"Concentrated" hydrochloric acid that you buy is typically 37% HCl. That's about 10 M. So 4.41 M is certainly possible.

 

[Borek]

"Concentrated" hydrochloric acid that you buy is typically 37% HCl. That's about 10 M. So 4.41 M is certainly possible.

Although its pH is not just minus log of concentration, as things get complicated because of the high ionic strength of the solution.

(@mjc123 I know you know, I just wanted it clearly stated in the thread).