What makes solution acidic

The pH of a solution can be measured using a pH probe, or estimated using universal indicator and a colour chart.

Acidic and alkaline solutions Acids Acids form acidic solutions in water. Alkalis Alkalis form alkaline solutions in water. Neutral solutions A neutral solution is neither acidic nor alkaline.

Indicators Acid-alkali indicators can show whether a solution is acidic, neutral pH 7 or alkaline. Reveal answer up. Optional Mini-Experiment : Make your own pH indicator using red cabbage juice.

Blend 2 cups of chopped red cabbage leaves and 1 cup water in a food processor or electric blender until pieces are tiny and uniform. Strain off the solids and keep the liquid. If you don't have a blender, you can also chop the cabbage coarsely and boil it in water for about 5 minutes until the liquid is dark purple.

This purple liquid will change color according to the acidity or alkalinity of substances you want to test. Add about 10 drops of cabbage juice to approximately 1 tablespoon of a test substance. What color does the cabbage juice turn in an acid like white vinegar? What color does the cabbage juice turn in a base such as a baking soda and water solution? Test the pH of various substances and develop a corresponding color-pH scale. Compare your results with the chart here.

You can also make indicator paper by dipping strips of white paper towel, coffee filters, or white construction paper into the cabbage juice until they are purple.

Hamel maintains a blog focused on massive open online courses and computer programming. Brine Vs. Alkaline Vs. What Turns pH Paper Green? The Properties of Acidic Substances. Physical Science. Earth and Environmental Science. Behavioral and Social Science. What is an acid or a base? What is pH? The pH Scale: Some Examples. How do you measure pH? Figure 1. For example, the fermenting of foods. Short range pH test paper 6.

For example, a range suitable for aquatic organisms. Micro range pH test paper 5. We recommend checking if there is one available at your local high school chemistry laboratory before purchasing.

Various models are available from Amazon. Suitable for more advanced research where the exact pH of a solution matters. For example, when creating buffers for a biotechnology project. Table 2.