The pH of 1.0 × 10^-8 M hydrochloric acid is not 8.00. The correct pH can be calculated by considering the relationship between the molarities of the three principal ions in the solution (H⁺, Cl^-, and OH^-). These molarities can be calculated from algebraic equations that can be derived from the considerations given below.

a. The solution is electrically neutral. 

b. The hydrochloric acid can be assumed to be 100% ionized. 

c. The product of the molarities of the hydronium ions and the hydroxide ions must equal K_w.

Calculate the pH of a 1.0 × 10^-8 -M HCl solution.