Ph Scale Logarithms: Calculating Acidity Difference

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the difference in acidity between two pH values, specifically comparing a pH of 6.8 to a pH of 8.6. The scope includes mathematical reasoning related to logarithmic calculations and the concept of acidity in solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about how to calculate the acidity difference between pH values of 6.8 and 8.6.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for avoiding formula shortcuts due to display issues on their device.
  • A participant shares a link to an external discussion that may provide relevant information.
  • A later reply claims that a pH of 6.8 is approximately 64 times more acidic than a pH of 8.6 and seeks confirmation of this calculation.
  • Another participant states that the concentration of H+ ions is about 63 times higher at pH 6.8 compared to pH 8.6, but questions whether this means the solution is definitively 63 times more acidic, depending on the definition of "acidity."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the definition of acidity and whether the calculated difference in H+ concentration translates directly to a difference in acidity. Multiple competing views remain regarding the interpretation of acidity in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definition of acidity and the implications of the logarithmic scale used in pH calculations.

caliban07
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How do I work out how many times more acidic a ph value of 6.8 is compared to 8.6? For example.
 
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Ps I'm not au fait with the formula shortcuts and they don't display on my iPhone so if this can be avoided It would be much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Concentration of H+ is about 63 times higher at pH 6.8 than it is at pH 8.6, that's correct. Whether the solution is 63 times more acidic depends on how you define "acidity".
 

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