7.

1 ACIDS AND
ALKALIS
YEAR 7
 ACIDS ARE EVERYWHERE
• Many things contain acid. Some food contain acid.
• Acids have sour, sharp, tangy taste.
• Common acids in the laboratory are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
SOME ACIDS ARE DANGEROUS
• Some acids are strong. They are corrosive.
• The bottles have a hazard warning label.
• Always use eye protection when using acids.
• Dilute acids are still harmful or irritant.
• If you spill acid, wash the area with lots of water because water dilutes acid.
ALKALIS ARE EVERYWHERE
• Many cleaning products contain alkali. Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali.
• Strong alkalis are dangerous as they are corrosive.
• Alkalis dissolve your skin and makes it feels soapy, then you’ll get chemical burn.
• Alkalis are harmful if they get in your eyes.
• Common alkalis found in the laboratory are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and
calcium hydroxide.
WORKING SAFELY WITH ACIDS AND ALKALIS

• Stand up to work
• Wear safety glasses
• Take the top off the bottle and place it upside down on the work surface
• Replace the bottle top as soon as you finish using the bottle
7.2 IS IT AN ACID
OR AN ALKALI
YEAR 7
RED CABBAGE INDICATOR
• Red cabbage juice can be used as an indicator.
• Indicators include red cabbage, blackcurrant, beetroot etc.
LITMUS
• Litmus is a dye and it is a very common indicator.
• It turns red in acids and turns blue in alkalis.
• It turns purple when in neutral substances.
7.3 THE PH SCALE

YEAR 7
UNIVERSAL INDICATOR
• Litmus shows if a substance is an acid or an alkali.
• Universal indicator determines how acidic or alkaline a substance is.
• The strength of acids and alkalis is measured on the pH scale.