Lab #17- Acids & Bases

Aim: To determine the pH of household items.

Apparatus & Material: Red and Blue litmus papers, beakers, spoon, water, vinegar baking soda and bleach.

Method:

1. Gather all apparatus and materials for the experiment.

2. Add a sample of each household item to each beaker.

3. Add a red and blue litmus paper to each beaker.

4. Observe what happens to the red and blue litmus paper and record it.

Results:

TABLE SHOWING OBSERVATIONS OF RED AND BLUE LITMUS PAPER

Household items	Red litmus paper	Blue litmus paper	Result
Water
Vinegar
Bleach
Baking Soda

Discussion:

(Use the questions provided below to assist you in writing your discussion in paragraph format. DONOT write the questions in your lab book).

1. What is pH?

2. What is the function of red and blue litmus paper?

3. How can we tell if a sample is acidic, basic/alkaline or neutral when using the litmus papers?

4. Why is it important to know the pH of household items?

Conclusion:

(State the outcome of the experiment based on the aim and give reason to support based on the results).

Prepared by: Mr. K. Waite