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.

JJ
Answered by Jamil J. Chemistry tutor

14989 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does ice float on water? Use the structure of different states of matter to support your answer.


explain why the electronegativity of fluorine is greater than that chlorine


24.3cm^3 of 0.02moldm-3 KMnO4 reacted with 20cm^3 of iron (II) solution. Calculate the molarity of the iron (II) solution.


How does ionisation energy change down a group?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning