Experiment: Indicators

Aim:
To observe and record the indicator
colours for a range of substances to
classify them as acidic, neutral or
basic.

Equipment:
 safety glasses
 small test tubes and test tube rack
 Salt water
 Water
 Hydrochloric acid
 Vinegar
 Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
 Sodium carbonate
 Universal indicator
 Phenolphthalein
 Methyl orange
 Bromothymol blue

Risk assessment:
CAUTION: Take care not to spill any substances on your skin or
clothes. If you do, wash the area with lots of tap water and tell your
teacher immediately.

Method:
1. Place 2 mL of each solution in different test tubes.
2. Add 2-3 drops of universal indicator to each test tube and
observe and record the colour of the solutions.
3. Empty and rinse test tubes.
4. Repeat the above steps for each indicator supplied
(Phenolphthalein, Methyl orange, Bromothymol blue) and record
your results in a table.
Results:

Indicators Salt water HCl Vinega NaOH Na2CO3

water r
Universal Light Light Red No Purple Green
Green Green Colour
Phenolphthale Colourle Colourle Colourle Red Pink Colourle
in ss ss ss ss
Methyl Orange Orange Red Red Orang Orange
orange e
Bromothymol Dark Blue Yellow Yellow Blue Dark
blue Green Green

Discussion:

1. Using your results and the above table which shows the
classification of indicator colours, group your substances as
Acidic, Neutral and Basic.

2. Is this experiment valid? Explain (does the experiment test

what it’s supposed to)
Conclusion: