A food scientist analyzes a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice sample held at and…
CHEMISTRY · Multi-part · A Level · Chemistry · Acids and bases · Acids and bases
Problem
A food scientist analyzes a freshly squeezed grapefruit juice sample held at 25∘C and records a pH value of 3.25. Assume the juice behaves as an ideal aqueous solution.
(a) Calculate the concentration of hydronium ions, [H3O+], in the juice. Report your answer in scientific notation with the correct number of significant figures and units.
(b) Determine the concentration of hydroxide ions, [OH−], in the same sample and report it with proper significant figures and units.
(c) Neutral pure water at 25∘C has equal concentrations of H3O+ and OH−. Explain, with quantitative support, whether the grapefruit juice is acidic or basic relative to neutral water and by what factor the hydronium concentration differs from that of neutral water.