Testing pH

Testing pH

Aim: To test the pH of a range of household chemicals.

Equipment: A variety of household chemicals, spotting tile, red litmus paper, blue litmus paper, Universal indicator solution, and safety glasses.

Method:

1. Add a few drops of each chemical to a spot on your spotting tile. If a substance is solid or powdered you will need to mix it with drops of water before testing it.

2. Test the chemicals with litmus paper. 

3. Test each chemical with a few drops of Universal indicator

Result:

Chemical being tested	Colour in blue litmus	Colour in red litmus	Colour in Universal indicator
Dettol	Red	Red	Orange
Morning fresh	Blue	Blue	Green
Jif	Blue	Blue	Green
Harpic	Green	Red	Red
Pledge	Blue	Red	Green

Conclusion:

Chemical being tested	Acid or Base	Evidence from the investigation
Dettol	Acid	It is acidic because it went from blue to red
Morning fresh	Base	It is a base because it stayed the same color
Jif	Base	It is a base because it stayed the same color
Harpic	Base	It is a base because it stayed the same color
Pledge	Acid	It is acidic because it went from blue to red