Ideally, swimming pool pH levels should be neutral, and when any substance is neutral, it will measure exactly 7 on the pH scale. However, pool water is not pure, which is why chemicals must be added to pool water to balance it. If pH levels are too low (below 7), the acidity can cause eyes to sting. Also, excess acidity can affect the pool structure over time. If swimming pool pH levels are too high (above 7), the alkalinity can irritate the eyes. Also, it can lead to scale and mineral deposits on the walls and floor of the pool, which can stain it.
When solving problems related to pH, use the function p(x) = - log x, where p(x) represents the pH of a solution and x represents the concentration of hydrogen ions [H+] in moles per litre (mol/L). Textbook Example 6 looks more closely at how to use this function to solve problems related to pH.
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Read pages 433-434 Example 6 in your textbook, Principles of Mathematics 12. Complete the Your Turn questions on page 434 (a, b) for more practice solving problems related to pH. Click here to verify your answers. |
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Watch the Logarithm Application - pH video to see more examples of solving problems related to pH.
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Read page 435 In Summary and page 439-440 Frequently Asked Questions in your textbook, Principles of Mathematics 12. |