pH and alkalinity
I'm studying for a test, which covers, in part, soil chemistry. In reviewing the pH info., I find that there is no direct relationship between a
basic pH and alkalinity. I have always equated a basic pH to alkalinity, have used them interchangeably, and am surprised and confused to find this
is not so.
I understood pH to be the concentration of H+ or OH- in aqueous solution for acidity and alkalinity, respectively. Now I see that the concentration
of OH- does not refer to alkalinity at all. My text says alkalinity refers to the conc. of (bi)carbonates only. Thus, a high pH may be basic, but
not alkaline if no carbonates are present, and a high pH is basic and alkaline if carbonates are indeed present. Do I now have a deeper understanding
of pH and alkalinity, or is my text misinforming me?
I've taken various chem courses in my life, but I don't recall learning the distinction between pH and alkalinity, rather, being taught that basic
pH=sweet=alkaline. Can/will anyone confirm this?
[Edited on 12/25/2007 by prole]
|
![[*]](images/xpblue/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
