Calculate the pH for each of the following solutions.
a. [H_{3}O^{+}] = 7.23 × 10^{-8} b. [H_{3}O^{+}] = 5.70 × 10^{-3}
a. Using an electronic calculator, first enter the number 7.23 × 10^{-8} into the calculator.
Then use the LOG key to obtain the logarithm value, -7.1408617. Changing the sign of this number (because of the minus sign in the definition of pH) and adjusting for significant figures yields a pH value of 7.141.
b. Entering the number 5.70 × 10^{-3} into the calculator and then using the LOG key give a logarithm value of -2.2441251. This value translates into a pH value, after rounding, of 2.244.