Determine the pH of a 0.0050 M aqueous solution of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), assuming complete electrolytic dissociation of both hydrogen ions.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. 2.0

  1. Step 1: Dissociation: H₂SO₄ -> 2H⁺ + SO₄²⁻. Step 2. Calculate [H⁺]: [H⁺] = 2 × 0.0050 M = 0.010 M = 1.0 × 10⁻² M. Step 3. Compute pH: pH = -log10[H⁺] = -log10(1.0 × 10⁻²) = 2.0. Answer: 2.0. Why not the others: 2.3 assumes single proton dissociation ([H⁺] = 0.005 M); 3.0 corresponds to [H⁺] = 0.001 M; 1.5 assumes [H⁺] = 0.03 M.

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