In order to find the [H+] ion content of H2SO4 (Sulphuric Acid), why must you divide by two after using the formula for pH calculation?

This is because H2S04 is a diprotic acid. If we look at how the acid dissiociates, we can see that:

H2SO4----------> 2H++SO42-

Since there are two H+ ions dissociating, using the formula for pH would give the H+ ion content within the whole acid, i.e 2H+

Dividing it by two would equate to a singular H+, which is what the question asks.

Answered by Jamil J. Chemistry tutor

12215 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Could you explain why water has a high latent heat of vapourisation?


Why is phenylamine a weaker base than ethylamine?


Palladium acts as a heterogeneous catalyst in the reaction between an alkene with hydrogen by providing an alternative reaction route. Describe the stages of this reaction route. (3 marks)


Describe and explain the structure of Benzene


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences