To have a pH = 1, the resultant concentration of [H+] must be 10−1 M=0.1 M.
For a mixture of a strong acid and a strong base, the net [H+] concentration is given by:
[H+]=V1+V2M1V1−M2V2
Let's calculate [H+] for all given options:
Option A: 60 mL of 10M HCl+40 mL of 10M NaOH
Milli-moles of H+=60×0.1=6 mmol
Milli-moles of OH−=40×0.1=4 mmol
[H+]=60+406−4=1002=0.02 M⟹pH=1.7
Option B: 55 mL of 10M HCl+45 mL of 10M NaOH
Milli-moles of H+=55×0.1=5.5 mmol
Milli-moles of OH−=45×0.1=4.5 mmol
[H+]=55+455.5−4.5=1001=0.01 M⟹pH=2.0
Option C: 75 mL of 5M HCl+25 mL of 5M NaOH
Milli-moles of H+=75×0.2=15 mmol
Milli-moles of OH−=25×0.2=5 mmol
[H+]=75+2515−5=10010=0.1 M⟹pH=1.0
Option D: 100 mL of 10M HCl+100 mL of 10M NaOH
Both neutralize each other completely, so the solution is neutral. pH=7.0
Hence, the correct mixture is the one in Option C.