[Ben Cohen]

Hello,

My question is: How would you calculate the pH of a solution of 1.0 x 10^-8 M Hydrochloric acid? I know it's -log(H^+) but wouldn't that make the pH of HCl, a strong acid, 8, which is basic?
I was thinking the solution would be basic, but I'm still not sure. Thanks in advance

[UG]

It's not really basic, more of a trick question . You will need to take into account the dissociation of water. Are you familiar with writing mass balances/charge balances?

[Ben Cohen]

It's not really basic, more of a trick question . You will need to take into account the dissociation of water. Are you familiar with writing mass balances/charge balances?

I knew it was a trick-question somehow 
How would I factor in the dissociation of water? I haven't ever studied or worked with mass balances/charge balances.

[Ben Cohen]

I just googled this and I realized that [H+] is the sum of the water and hydrochloric contribution, so that the pH is actually 6.98... That's evil haha

[Borek]

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=pH-calculation&right=pH-acid-base-solution

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=pH-calculation&right=pH-strong-acid-base