pOH to pH Converter

What is pOH?

pOH is a scale used to measure the concentration of hydroxide ions ([OH⁻]) in a solution. While pH tells us about acidity, pOH tells us about basicity. Just like pH, the pOH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14. A lower pOH value means a higher concentration of hydroxide ions, indicating a stronger base.

The relationship between pH and pOH is simple and constant at 25°C: pH + pOH = 14. This means if you know one, you can always find the other!

The Role of Hydroxide Ions (OH⁻)

Hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are key players in basic (alkaline) solutions. When a base dissolves in water, it often releases OH⁻ ions, increasing their concentration. The higher the [OH⁻], the more basic the solution. Understanding hydroxide chemistry is vital for:

• Base Properties: Explaining why bases feel slippery and react with acids.
• Neutralization: How acids and bases react to form water and a salt, balancing out H⁺ and OH⁻ ions.
• Base Equilibria: For weak bases, understanding how they partially dissociate in water to produce OH⁻.

Where are pOH and pH Important?

Both pOH and pH are fundamental measurements with wide-ranging applications:

• Cleaning Products: Many household cleaners (like bleach or ammonia) are basic, and their effectiveness is related to their pOH/pH.
• Water Treatment: Controlling the pH of drinking water and wastewater is crucial for safety and environmental protection.
• Industrial Processes: Many chemical manufacturing processes require precise pH/pOH control for optimal reactions and product quality.
• Agriculture: Soil pH affects nutrient availability for plants, impacting crop yield.
• Biology & Medicine: The pH of blood and other bodily fluids must be kept within a very narrow range for health.

Common pOH and pH Values

Here are some typical pOH and corresponding pH values for common substances:

• Pure Water: pOH 7 (pH 7) - Neutral
• Household Bleach: pOH ~1-2 (pH ~12-13) - Very Basic
• Ammonia (Household Cleaner): pOH ~2-3 (pH ~11-12) - Basic
• Baking Soda Solution: pOH ~5 (pH ~9) - Mildly Basic
• Stomach Acid: pOH ~11-13 (pH ~1-3) - Very Acidic
• Lemon Juice: pOH ~12 (pH ~2) - Acidic