pH Meter - Use and Calibration

What is a pH Meter?

An instrument that measures the H+ ion concentration (pH) of a solution using an

ion sensitive electrode which will ideally respond to one specific ion, in this case
H+
The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of the H+ ion concentration
A typical modern pH meter has a glass and reference electrode in one tube

How Does a pH Meter Measure H+ Concentration?

The pH meter has two electrodes in one tube, glass and reference electrode. A
saturated KCL and HCL solution is contained in a tube which is inside of an outer tube
that will have contact with the solution to be measured. This outer tube has a double
glass bulb with NA+ which makes an ion specific electrode. When measuring the pH of a
solution, a salt bridge forms. The NA+ ion, not H+, crosses the glass membrane of the pH
electrode and allows for a change in free energy which is measured by the pH meter as
the concentration of H+.

Calibrating a pH Meter

Make sure the meter is in pH mode

For a 3 point calibration, use high pH (--), pH 7.0 and low (-.0) solution
Before calibration, rinse probe thoroughly with de-ionized water or a rinse
solution
Immerse the end of the probe completely in the calibration solution
Stir the probe gently to create a homogenous sample

Measuring the pH of a Solution

Always rinse electrodes with de-ionized water prior to placing in a solution for
pH measurement
Allow meter to stabilize for 30 seconds or a minute, then read
Remove electrodes and rinse with de-ionized solution
The pH bulb should always be stored wet preferably in pH 4.0 buffer with 1/100
KCl
Other buffers or tap water can be used for storage
 Maintenance of pH Meter

Wipe off exterior of pH meter with a damp cloth after use

The outside of the meter is made of polyester and is not affected by most solvents
but is affected by some organic solvents
pH the power of hydrogen

Litmus Paper

A Quick Method for Determining pH

Litmus Paper

Litmus paper is useful to determine the pH of a solution when you do not have a
pH meter available
Proper storage of the litmus paper is essential to maintain quality control

The pH Scale

The pH measures the concentration of H+ in a solution

The lower the number, the more acidic the solution
The higher the number, the more basic the solution
 The pH Scale Another Description

The pH meter measure the H+ concentration (the pH ) of a solution using an ion

sensitive electrode. An ion selective electrode will ideally respond to only one specific
ion. A typical modern pH probe is a combination electrode, which has the glass and
reference electrode in one tube. The bottom of a pH electrode balloons out into a round
glass bulb. The electrode contains a tube within a tube with the inside electrode having
the KCL and HCL solution as well as the cathode terminus of the reference probe. The
outer tube wraps itself around the inner tube and also ends with some type of reference
tube like the inner tube. The outer tube only has contact with the solution and ions cross
through a porous plug that serves as a salt bridge. The measuring part of the pH meter,
the glass bulb on the bottom is coated both inside and out with a 10nm layer of hydrated
gel. These two layers are separated by a 0.1mm layer of dry glass. The metal
cations(NA+) in the hydrated gel diffuse out of the glass and into solution while H+ from
solution can diffuse into the hydrated gel. It is the hydrated gel, which makes the pH
electrode an ion selective electrode. H+ does not cross the glass membrane of the pH
electrode, it is the NA+ which crosses allows for a change in free energy. When an ion
diffuses from a region of activity to another region of activity, there is free energy change
and this is what the pH meter actually measures. The hydrated gel membrane is
connected by NA+ transport and thus the concentration of H+ on the outside of the
membrane is relayed to the inside of the membrane by Na+.

Some machines will indicate of what type of mode is presently in use with symbols. With
the machine is in pH mode rinse the electrodes with de-ionized water before you
calibrate. I want to emphasize the importance of rinsing the electrodes off before each
calibration and before they are placed in any solution that needs to be pH. The pH bulb
should always be stored wet, preferably in pH 4.00 buffer with 1/100 part of KCL
added. Other pH buffers or tap water are acceptable storage media. This step needs to
done especially at the end of the day when the machine will no longer be used. After
you have rinsed the electrodes dip the probe in the calibration buffer. It is suggested that
you standardize (calibrate) with at least three points before the use of the machine.
Some machines have calibration dials (cal ) dials used do standardization. If you need 2
calibrations to standardize the machine the knobs may say ca1 1,2 or 3. If your machine
has an auto read and it is turned on , it will automatically endpoint when the reading is
stable 30 seconds to a minute).For a 1 point calibration place the tip of the electrode in
the first buffer and press cal. Some machine have 5 calibration buffers are shown on
the display. Make sure you rinse the electrode between each calibrator.

Have different beakers of clear liquids and have students dip litmus paper in them to
determine acid or base. Examples, bleach, clear soda, vinegar.

Have different beakers of clear liquids and have students dip litmus paper in them to
determine acid or base. Examples, bleach, clear soda, vinega