pH Activities

Main Objective:

Students will:

-Define solutions as an acid or a base.

-Use the pH scale to estimate the pH of each substance.

-Become familiar with the use of indicators.

-Categorize common substances according to their pH.

Simulation:

1.) Use the pH paper numbered with the 1-14 scale to test each substance.

2.) Switch paper, and now use the pH paper numbered on the 4.5-7.5 scale.

Conclusions- What are the advantages and disadvantages of different scaled papers?

How do the results differ with the various methods? How are they the same?

Assessment: Complete the ExploreLearning assessment with your team and use the computer to check your work.

Hands-on Activity:

1.) Obtain 4 solutions: baking soda, rubbing alcohol, distilled water, and vinegar.

2.) Use the red and blue litmus paper to determine if each substance is an acid or a base.

Conclusions- Now you have used three types of pH indicators. Each type of indicator is best for a particular situation. List possible situations when you would choose to use each of the methods.