The objective of this lab is to determine the pH level of common household products.
Introduction
Liquids are either acidic, basic, or neutral. We are able to figure out which one it is based on properties, along with the pH. Acids taste sour, and bases taste bitter. Using the pH scale, you are able to know how strong of an acid or base a liquid is. High concentration of [H+] ions means that the liquid has a low pH. Therefore a liquid with a low concentration of [H+] would have a high pH. A pH of less than 7 represents an acid, while a pH above 7 represents a base. A pH of 7 would be neutral. In this lab, we used red cabbage juice as a pH indicator to determine whether common household liquids were acidic, basic, or neutral. Using …show more content…
How does it change the pH of strong acids/bases? Why or why not?
The addition of water does not have a significant impact on the pH of strong acids and bases, but it does have an impact on weak acids and bases. It changes the pH because the hydrogen ions in water increases the concentration in acids and bases. Weak acids and bases have low concentrations of [H+], therefore the addition of water has a large impact on the pH.
How does the difference in 1 pH unit change in terms of [H+] concentration? Example: How does a pH of 3 differ from a pH of 4? Which one is stronger or weaker? Why?
A difference in one pH is 10x difference in [H+]. A liquid with a pH of 3 is 10x more acidic than a liquid with a pH of 4, therefore a liquid with a pH of 3 is stronger.
Look at the ingredients for each liquid you tested. Which ingredients contribute to each of the liquid’s pH?
Sprite: Citric Acid
Apple Juice: Ascorbic Acid
Baking Soda: Sodium Bicarbonate
Shampoo: Citric Acid
Conditioner: Sodium Carbonate
Neutralization: Whenever you mix an acid with a base, they neutralize each other. If this is the case, why is Alka-Seltzer used to treat stomach