STAGE: 1

Name: Class:
Date:
ACIDS AND ALKALIS
Scientists have discovered a new substance, but they are unsure whether it is acidic or alkaline.
1. Why do you think it is important for us to classify a substance into acids or alkali?

2. How do scientists determine whether a substance is acidic or alkali?

3. What are some common substances that are acidic, and what are some that are alkali? Give one
example of each.

Acid -
Alkali -

4. Can you think of any substances that might be difficult to classify based on their properties?

On the table you are provided with a few household items and food that are weak acids and alkali. They
are:
1. Vinegar,
2. Lemon juice,
3. Baking soda,
4. Soap,
5. Milk,
6. Substance X
Classify number 1 until 5 into acid, alkali or neutral first

Acid Neutral Alkali

Design an experiment to determine whether Substance X is acid or alkali
Hypothesis: From your knowledge of properties of acids and alkali, what do you think Substance X is?
(Acids / Alkali)

Materials that you need: (tick √ which one you need)

2 white tiles 1 pH indicator

Hydrochloric acid 6 pieces of red litmus paper
6 droppers 6 pieces of blue litmus paper

Procedure: (How are you going to proof that substance X is ether acids or alkali?
Re – arrange the procedure below by writing no 1 – 4 in the box provided.

Place the 6 pieces of red and blue litmus paper on to the tile
Add a drop or two on each of the household items on to the litmus paper
Observe any changes.
Record your answers on the table provided

Record: (You write down your observations)

Conclusion
Substances Red litmus paper Blue litmus paper
(Acid / Alkali)
Vinegar
Lemon juice
Baking soda
Soap
Milk
Substance X

Conclusion:

1. Substance X is (Acid / Alkali)

2. Was your Hypothesis correct? (Yes / No)

3. How did knowing the properties of acids and alkali help in classifying Substance X?