indicators
Indicators are used to measure the pH level of acids and bases. The types of indicators that we are focusing on are phenothalene, universal indicator, and litmus paper.
Phenolphthalein:
When using phenolphthalein, drop some of it into the solution you are testing for neutralization. After placing phenolphthalein in the solution, if the color is clear, then that is an indication that the solution is an acid. If the color turns magenta, then that is an indication that the solution is a base.
Phenolphthalein:
When using phenolphthalein, drop some of it into the solution you are testing for neutralization. After placing phenolphthalein in the solution, if the color is clear, then that is an indication that the solution is an acid. If the color turns magenta, then that is an indication that the solution is a base.
Universal Indicator:
This type of indicator is a solution that can tell exactly how strong a solution is. The key is to remember ROYGBIV - Reds, oranges, and yellows are acids. Greens are neutral, and blues, indigos, and violets are bases. Furthermore, within the colors of acidic and basic solutions, they are split up into strong and weak acids and bases based on pH levels. Here's a diagram of what each color tells about the pH level:
This type of indicator is a solution that can tell exactly how strong a solution is. The key is to remember ROYGBIV - Reds, oranges, and yellows are acids. Greens are neutral, and blues, indigos, and violets are bases. Furthermore, within the colors of acidic and basic solutions, they are split up into strong and weak acids and bases based on pH levels. Here's a diagram of what each color tells about the pH level:
*Check out this cool video to see the effect of the color of universal indicator when an acid is added to a base with a pH of 14.
Litmus Paper:
Litmus paper is made in two different forms; blue litmus paper and red litmus paper. Both litmus papers are dipped in a solution to test for neutrality. The color that the paper turns into expresses the pH level of the solution. Here is chart of the color effects of litmus paper being dipped in acidic, neutral, and basic solutions:
Litmus paper is made in two different forms; blue litmus paper and red litmus paper. Both litmus papers are dipped in a solution to test for neutrality. The color that the paper turns into expresses the pH level of the solution. Here is chart of the color effects of litmus paper being dipped in acidic, neutral, and basic solutions:
Click here to continue on the adventure of acids and bases by learning about neutralization.