Code: FMT – 333 – -E

PRACTICAL Version: 01, 18/06/2018

WORK GUIDE Valid since: 18/06/2018

Page: 1 out of 3

MYP 9º IB CHEMISTRY X PHYSICS BIOLOGY

Classify substances as acidic or basic using indicators

- Identify acidic and basic substances used every day life by
AIM: using different indicators.

Acids and bases are common chemical in everyday life. Many products-
shampoos to fruit juices, from medicines to cleaning agents- derive much of
their activities as acids or bases. Acids can be classified as substances that
ionize in aqueous solutions to produce hydronium ions, H3O+.
Acids turn litmus paper red.
Bases can be classified as substances that dissociates in aqueous solutions to
produce hydroxide ions, OH–. Bases turn litmus paper blue and feel slippery.
The strengths of acids and bases depend on the extent to which they ionize, or
INTRODUCTION: dissociate.
Strong acids or bases dissociate almost completely, while weak acids and bases
dissociate to a lesser degree. Acids and bases can react with each other in a
neutralization reaction to produce water and a salt.
In this investigation you will observe some reactions of acids ad bases with
each other, with other compounds, and with various indicators. From your
observation, you should be able to describe some of the characteristic
properties of acids and bases.

SIGNIFICANT SAFETY
 Eye protection and gloves must be worn.
 Do not taste any substance

DIAGRAM:
 Code: FMT – 333 – -E

PRACTICAL Version: 01, 18/06/2018

WORK GUIDE Valid since: 18/06/2018

Page: 2 out of 3

Small bottles with: - pH meters

-Lemon juice, dilute hydrochloric - 2 dimple tiles
acid, magnesia milk, water, soda - 1 test tube rack
drink, vinegar, sodium hydroxide, - 10 Droppers
diluted Clorox. - Phenolphthalein
- Methyl Orange
APPARATUS AND
CHEMICALS: -One bottle of universal indicator - Gloves
solution.
Pieces of red and blue litmus - Safety goggles
paper.
- 2 Dimple tiles - Lab coat

1. Prepare two dimple tiles and label them with the name of the
substances in the small bottles.
2. Add about 4 drops of each substance with a dropper to each
labelled hole of the dimple tile, add 2 drop of universal indicator
solution.
3. Compare each colour obtained with the pH chart and record
your observations on a suitable data table.
4. Repeat step 2 with the other substances from the small bottles.
5. Put a small piece of damp (wet) blue litmus paper to each hole
PROCEDURE / METHOD: of the tile with the help of a tweezers (small tong), record your
observations. Repeat the process with red litmus paper.
6. Repeat the step 2 and this time use 2 drops of phenolphthalein
on each hole. Record your observations.
7. Substances tested are provided into small beakers. Record the
values given by the pH meter for each solution in their
respective beaker. (Follow teacher instructions).
8. Record all your qualitative and quantitative observations.

C Processing and Evaluating

i. Correctly collect and organize the qualitative and
quantitative information of the changes using different
indicators.
ii. Accurately interpret results, compare and explain the
changes between the universal indicator, red and blue litmus
paper, phenolphthalein and methyl orange.
Compare and contrast the accuracy of the changes in the
CRITERIA ASSESSED: colours of indicators with the presition of the pH values given
by the pH meters.
iii. Evaluate the validity of the method to determine how acid
is the substance or how basic they are.
iv. Explain improvements or extensions of the method that
would benefit the scientific investigation.
Draw a table including limitations, effects and concrete
improvements.
 Code: FMT – 333 – -E

PRACTICAL Version: 01, 18/06/2018

WORK GUIDE Valid since: 18/06/2018

Page: 3 out of 3

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