Download Exploring Everyday Acids and Bases

Exploring Everyday Acids and Bases
Name___________________________Date_________Class_________
In this activity you will explore the effect of several common household chemicals on an
acid/base indicator. Red cabbage juice contains a pigment that changes from purple to pink in
the presence of an acid, and from purple to green when in contact with a base.
Materials: (per group)
10 test tubes
test tube rack
dropper
red cabbage indicator
Samples of the following solutions:
white vinegar
Lysol cleaner
liquid soap
aspirin
antacid
salt solution
lemon-lime soda
Gatorade
distilled water
ammonia
Procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Put on safety goggles and lab apron.
Label each test tube with the name of the solution being tested.
Test each solution one at a time, filling the test tube about 1/3 full with the solution.
Place about a dropper full of the indicator into the tube. Record your observations.
Rinse test tubes and returned them to the designated container.
Data and Observations:
Record your results in the following table:
SOLUTION
Gatorade
Lysol cleaner
Liquid soap
Aspirin
Antacid
Salt solution
Lemon-lime soda
Vinegar
Ammonia
Distilled Water
OBSERVATIONS
(color)
Acid or Base?
Analysis and Conclusions
1. What is an acid?
2. What color did the indicator turn in the presence of an acid?
3. Which of the substances tested were acids?
4. What general statement could you make about the pH of these substances?
5. What is a base?
6. What color was the indicator in the presence of a base?
7. Which of the substances tested were bases?
8. What can you say about the pH of these substances?
9. A solution with a pH of 7 is neither acidic nor basic. What term describes such a
solution?
10. Weak acids and bases often serve as buffers. What is the function of a buffer?