Working Principle of pH Meter in Acidic and Basic Media
A pH meter works by measuring the electrical potential difference between a special glass
electrode and a reference electrode. When the electrode is placed in a solution, hydrogen ions
(H⁺) from the liquid interact with the glass membrane, causing a small exchange of charge. This
interaction creates a voltage difference, which the device detects and translates into a pH value,
showing how acidic or basic the solution is. The meter’s built-in amplifier helps ensure accurate
readings, making it a reliable tool for measuring pH in various settings.
pH Scale and its Interpretation
If we express the hydrogen ion concentration of an aqueous solution in relation to its molecular
value, we derive a scale of 1 (100) via 10-7 to 10-14 mole/liter. This scale is impractical but if
written as a function of its negative logarithm a real and simple scale of 0 – 14 has been created:
the pH scale.
pH is the abbreviation of pondus hydrogenii and means the weight of hydrogen. The pH
definition refers to the active hydrogen ion concentration and not just to the hydrogen ion
concentration. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, where a pH value of 7 is neutral. Solutions with
a pH below 7 are acidic, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, whereas values
above 7 indicate alkaline or basic properties with a lower hydrogen ion concentration.
Components of a pH Meter
Figure: pH Measurement Using Two Electrode
How a pH Meter Works
A pH meter works by measuring the difference in voltage between two electrodes to determine
how acidic or alkaline a solution is.
1. Electrode Interaction: When the glass electrode is placed in a solution, hydrogen ions
from the liquid interact with its special membrane, generating a small electrical potential.
2. Role of the Reference Electrode: The reference electrode maintains a steady voltage,
providing a stable point for comparison.
3. Voltage Measurement: The meter detects the difference in voltage between the two
electrodes and uses the Nernst equation to calculate the pH.
4. Displaying the pH Value: The processed pH value is then shown on the screen, giving a
clear reading of the solution’s acidity or alkalinity.
Working in Acidic Media (pH < 7)
When a pH meter is placed in an acidic solution, the following steps occur:
Stepwise Procedure:
1. H⁺ Interaction with Glass Membrane:
The solution contains a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺).
These H⁺ ions interact with the outer surface of the glass electrode.
2. Generation of Electric Potential:
The accumulation of H⁺ ions on the glass electrode creates a potential
difference between the inner and outer surfaces of the electrode.
3. Comparison with Reference Electrode:
The reference electrode, which remains unchanged, provides a stable
potential.
The voltage difference between the glass electrode and the reference electrode
is measured.
4. Conversion to pH Value:
The meter amplifies the voltage signal and converts it into a pH value, which
is displayed on the screen.
The higher the H⁺ concentration, the lower the pH value (more acidic).
Working in Basic Media (pH > 7)
When a pH meter is placed in a basic (alkaline) solution, the process is slightly different due to
the presence of hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Stepwise Procedure:
1. OH⁻ Ions Affecting the Glass Electrode:
The solution has a low concentration of H⁺ ions but a high concentration of
OH⁻ ions.
The glass membrane of the electrode still responds to H ⁺ ions but in an
inverse manner.
2. Decreased H⁺ Interaction, Leading to Negative Voltage:
Since fewer H⁺ ions are present, the electric potential difference is lower
(negative voltage shift) compared to acidic conditions.
3. Reference Electrode Maintains a Stable Potential:
The reference electrode remains unchanged, allowing a clear voltage
measurement.
4. Conversion to pH Value:
The voltage is amplified and converted into a higher pH value (basic
solution).
The lower the H⁺ concentration, the higher the pH value.
How to Calibrate a pH Meter
To get accurate readings, a pH meter needs to be properly calibrated before use. Here’s a simple
step-by-step guide to ensure reliable measurements:
1. Prepare the Electrode: Start by taking the electrode out of its storage solution. Rinse it
with deionized water to wash away any leftover solution, then gently pat it dry with tissue
paper. This prevents any unwanted substances from affecting the calibration.
2. Use Standard Buffer Solutions: Calibration requires three buffer solutions with pH
values of 7.0, 4.0, and 10.0. These help the meter adjust correctly across different acidity
and alkalinity levels.
3. Set the Neutral Point (Zero-Point Calibration): First, place the electrode in the neutral
buffer solution (pH 7.0). The meter is then adjusted to recognize this as the baseline,
ensuring accurate measurements.
4. Fine-Tune for Acidity or Alkalinity: Next, immerse the electrode in either the pH 4.0
(acidic) or pH 10.0 (alkaline) buffer, depending on the expected range of the samples.
This step helps the meter fine-tune its response to different pH levels.
5. Final Rinse and Ready to Use: After calibration, rinse the electrode again with distilled
water to remove any buffer residues. Now, your pH meter is ready to provide precise
readings for your samples.
Figure: Flowchart for pH meter calibration
Why is Calibration Important?
1. Over time, electrodes degrade and may give inaccurate readings.
2. Factors like temperature, solution contamination, and electrode aging affect accuracy.
3. Regular calibration ensures reliable and precise pH measurements, whether in labs,
food processing, water testing, or medical research.
Measuring the pH of a Solution
1. Immerse the electrode in the sample solution.
2. Press the "Measure" button and wait for the reading to stabilize.
3. Record the displayed pH value.
4. Rinse and store the electrode properly after use.
By following these procedures, a pH meter provides accurate and reliable pH measurements for
various applications in laboratories, industries, and research environments.
