Question

Find the PH [H+] of 6.0x10^-2?

Would the answer just be 1, because the question has 1 sig fig.. Or woulf the answer be 1,22

Answer 1

`pH=1.22`

Explanation:

The sig figs are the two digits in the scientific notation, 6.0. When you use logs, however, the sig figs start after the decimal since the whole number isn't an actual value but an increasing or decreasing factor (`10^n`).

Answer 2

`pH=1`

Explanation:

Well, we need to use the `pH` equation here, which states that

`pH=-log[H^+]`

where `H^+` is the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution in terms of molarity `("M")`.

I assume we have here `6*10^-2` hydrogen `(H^+)` ions.

So, plugging into the equation, we have

`pH=-log(6*10^-2)`

Using a calculator, this yields:

`pH~~1.22`

Since the answer wants us to convert it to one significant figure, the `pH` will be `1`.

`:.pH=1`