What is the relationship between H+ ions and pH?

  • The relationship between hydrogen ion concentration and pH is inverse
  • As pH is a logarithmic function, there must be a 10-fold change in [H+] for each unit change in pH
    • pH 8.0 – [H+] = 10 nmol/l
    • pH 7.0 – [H+] = 100 nmol/l
    • pH 6.0 – [H+] = 1000 nmol/l
  • Normal hydrogen ion concentration [H+] in the blood is 40 nmol/l, giving a pH of 7.4
Relationship between hydrogen ions H+ and pH