Laboratory Activity 1 Laboratory Activity 1

Laboratory
Laboratory
Laboratory Activity
Activity
Activity 3
3 1

Investigating pH of Common Substances

Introduction:

This experiment is designed for students to identify the pH level of various compounds by identifying
differences in pH between acids and bases. By testing common household substances, they will
understand how the pH determines why a compound reacts with other substances and for what
purpose. Students will understand the property of acid and base; and how to test the pH of a liquid.

Materials:
1. pH meter
2. pH paper strips-indicator
3. test tubes
4. some common household substances:
 Coke
 vinegar
 bleach
 milk
 detergent
 tap water
 Baking Soda Water
 Hand Soap
 Listerine- mouth wash
 shampoo
 orange juice
 lemon juice
 3 unknown substances

Methodology:
1. Obtain required amount of test tubes (clean, but may be wet).
2. Label each test tube with the substances to be tested.
3. Pour about 3-mL of each substance into the appropriately labeled test tube.
4. On your table predict the pH of each sample BEFORE you begin testing samples.
5. Test each sample with both red and blue litmus paper and record the results in your table.
6. Test each sample with pH paper and compare to the color chart to determine the pH.
7. Record the pH number in your table.

THE ASIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LABORATORY MANUAL 1

 Red Blue pH pH meter
Predicted Litmus Litmus results Acid, Base, or
Substance Tested pH Paper Neutral?
color color
results

1. Coke

2. Vinegar

3. Bleach

4. Milk

5. Detergent

6. Tap Water

7. Baking Soda
Water

8. Hand Soap

9. Listerine

10. Shampoo

11. Orange Juice

12. Apple Juice

13. unknown A

14. unknown B

15. unknown C

Post Lab-Question/Discussion:

THE ASIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LABORATORY MANUAL 2

1. What is the pH range for an acidic substance?
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2. What is the importance of knowing the pH of certain substances?
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3. Compare the pH paper results to the pH meter results. How frequently are they the same?
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4. What seems to be the average difference between the two techniques of measuring pH?
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5. Select two substances that are acids and explain how many times stronger of an acid one is
over the other. How do you know?
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6. List and explain your reasoning as to how you determined what substance each unknown is.
Unknown A –

Unknown B –

Unknown C –

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7. Analyze the substances that tested basic. What connection do you see with regard to their use in
the household?

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8. Of the samples that you could safely taste, what pH range seems to “taste” good?

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THE ASIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL LABORATORY MANUAL 3