logo
AAT Bioquest

What are the limitations of a pH scale?

Posted May 24, 2024


Answer

Although the pH scale is very useful, it does have some limitations.

  • The pH value on the scale does not give an accurate indication of the relative strength of the solution.
  • The pH value for 1N solution of strong acid is 0 on the pH scale. Hence, the pH values of strong acid solutions with concentrations of 2N, 3N, 5N, onwards would be negative.
  • Using Hammett acidity functions is a better alternative to using the pH scale for solutions with higher concentrations.
Additional resources

An acidity scale of tetrafluoroborate salts of phosphonium and iron hydride compounds in [D2]dichloromethane

Weak Acid pH Calculator

Weak Base pH Calculator