7.1.11

Understanding Universal Indicator Paper

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Understanding Acids, Bases & Universal Indicator Paper

Universal indicator paper compares acidity, neutrality, or alkalinity by colour or pH. pH runs from 0 (strong acid) to pH 14 (strong base).

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Characteristics of acids and bases

  • Acids taste sour and feel rough.
  • Bases taste bitter and feel slippery.
  • Both acids and bases react differently with universal indicator paper.
    • Acids increase hydrogen ion concentration in water.
    • Bases decrease hydrogen ion concentration by releasing hydroxide ions.
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What is universal indicator paper?

  • Universal indicator paper changes colour based on pH level.
  • It shows a range from red (acidic) to purple (alkaline).
    • Scientists use it to measure the strength of acids and bases.
    • The paper helps compare relative acidity and alkalinity quickly.
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Using universal indicator paper

  • Dip the paper into a solution of acid or base.
  • Observe the colour change on the paper carefully.
  • Match the colour with the pH chart provided.
    • The pH scale runs from 0 to 14.
    • pH 7 shows neutrality; lower than 7 shows acidity; higher than 7 shows alkalinity.
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Interpreting pH and colour results

  • Red or orange suggests high hydrogen ion concentration (strong acid).
  • Yellow or green shows weak acids or neutral solutions (like pure water).
  • Blue or purple means low hydrogen ion concentration (alkaline solution).
    • The closer the pH to 0, the stronger the acid.
    • The closer the pH to 14, the stronger the base.
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Summary of key points

  • Acids and bases show different colours on universal indicator paper.
  • Colour corresponds to the hydrogen ion concentration and pH.
  • Universal indicator paper offers a simple visual pH test.
  • The pH scale helps compare relative acidity and alkalinity.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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