12.1.2

Is it an Acid or Alkali?

Test yourself

Determining if a Substance is an Acid or Alkali

There are many ways of determining whether a substance is an acid or an alkali. We can determine the pH directly, or we can use an indicator. Examples of indicators are:

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Litmus paper

  • Litmus paper is:
    • Red in acid.
    • Blue in alkali.
Illustrative background for Methyl orangeIllustrative background for Methyl orange ?? "content

Methyl orange

  • Methyl orange is:
    • Red in acid.
    • Yellow in alkali.
Illustrative background for PhenolphthaleinIllustrative background for Phenolphthalein ?? "content

Phenolphthalein

  • Phenolphthalein is:
    • Colourless in acid.
    • Pink in alkali.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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