Indicators and pH Objective: To learn about pH and how indicators show a substance to be an acid or a base.
Research: Acid: solutions – high concentration of H3O+ ions. Hydronium Base: solutions – high concentration of OH- ions. Hydroxyl pH: percent of hydrogen – how acidic it is.
pH scale: series of numbers 0-14. 7= neutral, 0-6 acid, 8-14 base. Indicator: substance that shows a definite color change when mixed with acid or base.
Effect on Acids Effect on Bases Blue litmus paper: pink ___ Red litmus paper: ___ blue Phenolphthalein: stays clear shocking pink Bromthymol blue: orange ___ Congo red: blue ___ As the pH of a solution changes, the indicator shows a specific color change.
Procedure I – Acid After each step, record your observations. Drop a small drop of HCl onto blue litmus paper. Drop a small drop of HCl onto red litmus paper. Place a small amount of HCl into test tube A. Add 1 drop of phenolphthalein. Rinse TT. Place a small amount of HCl into test tube A. Add 2 drops of bromthymol blue. Rinse TT. Place a small amount of HCl into test tube A. Add 1 drop of congo red. Rinse TT.
Procedure II – Base After each step, record your observations. Drop a small drop of NaOH onto blue litmus paper. Drop a small drop of NaOH onto red litmus paper. Place a small amount of NaOH into test tube B. Add 1 drop of phenolphthalein. Rinse TT. Place a small amount of NaOH into test tube B. Add 1 drop of bromthymol blue. Rinse TT. Place a small amount of NaOH into test tube B. Add 1 drop of congo red. Rinse TT.
Reaction with Acid Base Blue litmus paper Red litmus paper Phenolphthalein Bromthymol blue Congo red