strong acids have pH1

an. example of an alternative conception:

It is common for learners to think that strong acids (such as hydrocholic acid, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid) have pH=1.

Some standard reagents (2M or 1M acids) will have pH<1, although this may not be clear from tests with indicator papers (where the scale may only be 1 ≤ pH ≥ 14).

Learners may not take concentration into account, not realising that both acid strength and concentration are relevant. Indeed some learners may assume acid strength is measured by pH.

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.