Chemical Reactions

Indicators

An indicator is a special chemical that changes colour corresponding to the acidity or alkalinity of a
chemical. Litmus paper and litmus solution are examples of indicators. Litmus is a red acid. Universal
indicators have a range of colours that show how weal or strong the acid or alkali is.

Neutralizing Soil

Soils in different places can be acidic,

alkaline or neutral. Many plants do not
grow well in acidic soil. Farmers often
add an alkali to acidic soil to make their
plants grow better.

Neutralizing Acid Rain

Gases emitted by cars, power stations and factories mix with rainwater in the atmosphere Acid rain can
have a harmful effect on the environment killing trees, polluting lakes and damaging buildings.

Facts

- Weak acids taste sour

- Strong acids and bases are corrosive and caustic
- Acid turn blue litmus paper red
- Acids and bases can be neutralized

How can you speed up a reaction with catalysts?

- More reactants
- Increase temperature
- Kinetic energy
- Pressure
- Surface area

Corrosion

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of a metal due to reactions with other chemicals in its
environment. Over time, corrosion changes the appearance of the metal as it breaks down and its
becomes weaker.

Corrosion can seriously damage metallic objects and structures. Coating the surface of a metal with
paint and certain chemicals can protect it from corrosion.

Metals behave differently when exposed to the environment. Gold is an unreactive metal and does not
corrode easily. In many cultures, gold is considered a precious metal and is used to make sacred and
decorative objects.
Items made from gold can survive for thousands of years and have even been found in pristine
condition underwater. In general, objects made from metals that corrode easily do not survive for as
long.

Aluminium is a very reactive metal. However, it does not corrode in the presence of oxygen. The outer
aluminium atoms react with oxygen in the atmosphere. This forms a thin layer of aluminium oxide on
the metal’s surface, which protects the metal from corrosion.

Rusting is the specific name given to the corrosion of iron. It is a chemical reaction between iron,
oxygen, and water. The chemical name for rust is hydrated iron oxide. Rust can from on cars and
buildings, making them unsafe. It is an expensive problem. Salt can increase the rate of rusting.