How to Convert pH to H
Converting from pH to [H+], the concentration of hydrogen ions in water, is really easy. That's because pH is defined as the negative base 10 log of [H+], so to convert back to [H+], you need to work backwards. All it takes is a few simple algebraic manipulations, and your calculator can figure out the rest.
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Instructions
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Write out the equation for pH as follows: pH = - log (base 10) [H+].
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Remember that a logarithm is really just another way to write an exponent. The equation above is telling you that 10^-pH will give you [H+]. Because you want [H+] in this case and not pH, you can rearrange the equation to the following: [H+] = 10^-pH.
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Enter 10^-pH into your calculator, and it will give you the result. Most calculators have a 10^x button, so this will make your arithmetic operation even simpler.
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Tips & Warnings
Some calculators have an antilog or log^-1 button. If your calculator has this feature, you can use this as well.
References
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