Subject: Chemistry

Topic: Material Changes

Standard: VII

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 1 Of 13

 Acids
 These are substances with particular properties such as
sour , sharp, tangy taste.
 They may have a peculiar odour.
 Some common acids can be prepared and used in the
laboratory like hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
 All acids are not weak; some are strong, dangerous and
corrosive.
 If acids spill on skin, they can harm the skin and cause a
chemical burn. In such cases, water can be added on the area
as water dilutes the acids.

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 2 Of 13

 Alkalis
 Cleaning products such as soap and bleach contain a
substance called alkali.

 Like strong acids, strong alkalis are also corrosive and

dangerous and have the same effect on skin as acids.

 Common alkalis found in the laboratory are

sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and
calcium hydroxide.

 Alkalis feel soapy to touch.

Acids and alkalis are chemical opposites.

They can cancel out each other when mixed together.
Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 3 Of 13
 Is it an acid or alkali ?
If an acid and alkali solution are kept in two
jars, how can you identify them as an acid and
an alkali without tasting them?

A B

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 4 Of 13

 What are indicators?
Can you name a few indicators?

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 5 Of 13

 What are indicators?
• We can use indicators to distinguish between acids and
alkalis.

• Indicators are chemical substances that show different

colors for acids and alkalis.

• Natural indicators can be made from juices of berries,

flowers and other plant parts. For eg: red cabbage, china
rose solution, blackcurrant and beetroot juices.

• Turmeric can also be used as an indicator.

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 6 Of 13

 Litmus

• Litmus is a common indicator dye.

• It turns red in acids and blue in alkalis.

• In the presence of neutral solutions (solutions that are

neither acidic nor alkaline), there is no change in the
colour of litmus.

• It can be used in the form of a paper or a solution.

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 7 Of 13

 Litmus
Note the colour change of litmus
paper in both solutions.

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 8 Of 13

 Litmus
substance litmus colour type of substance

hydrochloric acid red acid

sodium hydroxide blue alkali

water purple neutral

lemon juice red acid

calcium hydroxide blue alkali

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 11 Of 13

 The pH scale
• Litmus test tells if a substance is acidic or alkaline.

• Universal indicator tells us how strong the acid or alkali

is.

• Depending on the strength of the substance, the

indicator can change to many different colours.

• This strength is measured on a scale called the pH

scale.

• This is the pH scale:

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 12 Of 13

 Quick Review
1. What are acids and alkalis?

2. Name a few acids or alkalis used in daily life.

3. What are indicators?

4. List a few indicators.

5. What is the pH scale?

6. Why universal indicator is a good indicator?

7. What is the pH of a neutral solution?

8. What is the pH of a highly acidic and alkaline solution?

9. Which one is more acidic - Stomach acid or acid rain?

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 13 Of 13
 Quiz time

 Observe the pH scale and answer the following questions.

1. Is a substance acidic or alkaline if the indicator changes to orange?
Acidic
2. A substance having a pH below 7 is ___________.
Acidic

3. A substance having a pH above 7 is ___________.

Alkaline
4. A substance having a pH of 7 is ___________.
Neutral

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 Quiz time

5. Is a substance acidic or alkaline if the indicator changes to purple?

Alkaline

6. What will be the colour of the indicator if the substance is strongly

acidic? Red-orange

Cambridge/2122 Material Changes 13 Of 13