Name Date _/ /

INTERPRETING THE pH
SCALE
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of solutions. The sc ale is centered around the pH
value of 7. A pH value of less than 7 indicates an acidic solution. A pH of 7 indicates that a solution
is neutral . A pH value of greater than 7 indicates a basic solution .

Acidic pH < 7, Neutral pH ~ 7.0, B asic pH > 7

Chemical compounds that change col or in the presence of certain i ons are called Indicators .
Phenolphthalein turns pink in the presence of a base, but stays colorless in the presence of an a cid .
Litmus dye turns red in the presence of an a cid , but turns blue in the presence of a base.

Identify whether the solutions listed below are acids or bases. Write the col or expected for ea ch
indicator (phenolphthalein, litmus dye ) when immersed and i ndicate the pH range you would
expect.

Solution Acid or Base Phenolphthalein Litmus pH Range

Ammonia

Coffee

Digestive juices

Drain cleaner

Human blood
Laundry
Detergent
Lemon juice

Milk

Rain

Saliva

Shampoo

Soda Pop

Sour Candy

Toothpaste

Vinegar

Vitamin C
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