Presentation Transcript
pH Meter - Use and Calibration: pH Meter - Use and Calibration
What is a pH Meter?: What is a pH Meter? An instrument that measures the H+ ion concentration (pH) of a solution using an ion sensitive electrode which will ideally respond to one specific ion, in this case H+
The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of the H+ ion concentration
A typical modern pH meter has a glass and reference electrode in one tube
How Does a pH Meter Measure H+ Concentration?: How Does a pH Meter Measure H+ Concentration? The pH meter has two electrodes in one tube, glass and reference electrode. A saturated KCL and HCL solution is contained in a tube which is inside of an outer tube that will have contact with the solution to be measured. This outer tube has a double glass bulb with NA+ which makes an ion specific electrode. When measuring the pH of a solution, a salt bridge forms. The NA+ ion, not H+, crosses the glass membrane of the pH electrode and allows for a change in free energy which is measured by the pH meter as the concentration of H+.
Calibrating a pH Meter: Calibrating a pH Meter Make sure the meter is in pH mode
For a 3 point calibration, use high pH (--), pH 7.0 and low (-.0) solution
Before calibration, rinse probe thoroughly with de-ionized water or a rinse solution
Immerse the end of the probe completely in the calibration solution
Stir the probe gently to create a homogenous sample
Measuring the pH of a Solution: Measuring the pH of a Solution Always rinse electrodes with de-ionized water prior to placing in a solution for pH measurement
Allow meter to stabilize for 30 seconds or a minute, then read
Remove electrodes and rinse with de-ionized solution
The pH bulb should always be stored wet preferably in pH 4.0 buffer with 1/100 KCl
Other buffers or tap water can be used for storage
Maintenance of pH Meter: Maintenance of pH Meter Wipe off exterior of pH meter with a damp cloth after use
The outside of the meter is made of polyester and is not affected by most solvents but is affected by some organic solvents
pH the “power of hydrogen”
Slide7: Litmus Paper A Quick Method for Determining pH
Slide8: Litmus Paper Litmus paper is useful to determine the pH of a solution when you do not have a pH meter available
Proper storage of the litmus paper is essential to maintain quality control
Slide9: The pH Scale The pH measures the concentration of H+ in a solution
The lower the number, the more acidic the solution
The higher the number, the more basic the solution
Slide10: The pH Scale – Another Description