Question

The optimum pH for growing strawberries is 6.5, whereas the optimum pH for growing blueberries is 4.5. Therefore, the number of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is _______ the number needed for blueberries. Choose the correct option for the blank.

Answer 1

Answer: 100

Explanation:

pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

pH is calculated by taking negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration.

$pH=-\log [H^+]$

a) optimum pH for growing strawberries is 6.5

Putting in the values:

$6.5=-\log[H^+]$

$[H^+]=3.16\times 10^{-7}M$

b) optimum pH for growing blueberries is 4.5

Putting in the values:

$4.5=-\log[H^+]$

$[H^+]=3.16\times 10^{-5}M$

The ratio of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is to the number needed for blueberries is $\frac{3.16\times 10^{-7}M}{3.16\times 10^{-5}M}=\frac{1}{100}$

Thus the number of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is 100 times the number needed for blueberries.