What is the pH of a solution with an apparent hydrogen ion concentration of 1 x 10-8 moles per liter?

The pH of a solution is calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+], where [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter. In this case, the apparent hydrogen ion concentration is 1 x 10^-8 moles per liter.

To calculate the pH, you apply the formula:

pH = -log(1 x 10^-8)

This simplifies to:

pH = -(-8) = 8

Therefore, the pH of the solution is 8, which indicates that it is a basic solution. A pH of 8 means that the concentration of hydrogen ions is low relative to pure water (which has a neutral pH of 7). As pH values increase above 7, they indicate increasingly basic solutions.

Other potential pH values, such as those representing more acidic conditions (like 2, 4, or 6), do not fit this calculation, as they correspond to higher hydrogen ion concentrations, which do not match the provided concentration of 1 x 10^-8 moles per liter. Hence, the correct answer, representing a pH value that aligns with the hydrogen ion concentration given, is 8.