Problem 4.3: Pure water at 100C has a pH of approximately
From Chapter 4 Problem Set. Level 1: Conceptual Mastery.
Question
Pure water at 100°C has a pH of approximately 6.14. Is it acidic? Why or why not?
Answer
Show answer
It is not acidic. Neutral means [H⁺] = [OH⁻], not “pH = 7.” At 100°C, Kw increases, so both [H⁺] and [OH⁻] are higher than 10⁻⁷ - but they are equal. The neutral point shifts to ≈6.14 while the water remains perfectly neutral.