More than 100% ionisation? What have I done!

[cameron_15]

What Have i done! I've calculated a % ionization of over 100% for a prac we did!

So the concentration of HCl used was 0.01M, the solution had a pH of 1.5 as measured by a pH meter...

When I calculate the % ionization, it comes out to be 316% 

So uh, I say it's not possible? Did I break something :2funny:

[happyhappyland]

LOL just write you added the wrong amount of water in ur conclusion

[cameron_15]

The problem is though, my friends got a similar result!

Maybe the pH meter was poorly calibrated...

Never the less, I'll run with the can't dilute an acid accurately story.

[Mao]

pH meters are very sensitive, so are their calibrated buffer solutions. Unless they are very accurately calibrated with very clean buffer solution, you can get an error of up to pH +/- 1. So that pH=1.5 was probably calibrated by contaminated buffer, what you are looking at is a pH of up to 2 or 2.5, which is okay for 0.01M HCl.

[Mao]

The problem is though, my friends got a similar result!

Maybe the pH meter was poorly calibrated...

Never the less, I'll run with the can't dilute an acid accurately story.

Run with the bolded part.

[cameron_15]

Sure thing Mao.  thanks for your help!