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The acidity or basically of a solution is expressed as a pH score (pH stands for "potential of hydrogen"). Acids test low, as a pH of 0-7, with 0 being the most acidic. Bases test high, as a pH of 7-14, with 14 being the most basic. Water is neutral, at 7.
We began this discussion referring to the taste and smell of acids and bases. But as a rule, DON'T TASTE OR SMELL a solution for testing purposes. Some household chemicals, such as ammonia, are toxic and even smelling them deeply could make you swoon. Others, like lemon juice, are safe to ingest, but very unpleasant. Litmus paper is one of the oldest methods used to test the acidity or basicity of a solution. Blue litmus paper turns red when put in an acidic solution. Red litmus paper turns blue when put in a basic solution. Neutral litmus paper is purple and stays that way when you put it in water, which is neutral.
Vinegar and lemon juice are the classic household solutions used in school chemistry lessons for testing acids. Other citrus fruits such as grapefruit, limes and Oranges are also acidic. Wine is acidic, as are most Carbonated Beverages.
Pour baking soda into water and you have a basic solution. Ammonia and washing soda are also bases, as is hydrogen peroxide. Milk of magnesia, a medicine for easing stomach acid, is a base. So is household chlorine bleach. (But don't try to test it with litmus paper. It will just turn it white.) Blood is slightly basic, so most meat products are, too.
If you mix a strong acid such as vinegar with a strong base such as baking soda, they will react rather explosively. (They form the main ingredients for homemade "volcanoes.") The resulting compound will be a salt, which is neutral. This reactive quality of acids and bases is one reason why cleaning supplies often carry a warning not to mix solutions because if you mix acidic and basic solutions, the result can produce toxic fumes.
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What color does blue litmus paper turn when immersed into an acid?
Blue Litmus Paper turns red when it is placed in an acid
Acids Bases Salts?
In water solutions salts may be acidic, basic or amphoteric.
Which one is more acidic milk of magnesia or household amonia?
Neither is acidic, both are basic. But milk of magnesia is less basic and therefore more acidic.
Why wet litmus paper it is used to cheque whether the given solution is acidic or basic?
Because litmus change color depending on the pH: red in acidic solutions and blue in basic solutions.
What is an acidic solution will turn blue litmus paper to what color?
Red color in acidic solutions and blue color in basic solutions.
Which of these properties is a general property common to both acidic and basic solutions?
conducts electricity
Are alkaline solutions acidic or basic?
basic
Is household ammonia acidic?
No, ammonia is basic.
What can kill insects acidic or basic solution?
basic solutions
What is a property of basic solutions but not acidic solutions?
The pH is under 7.
What color does HNO3 on blue litmus change?
Red color in acidic solutions and blue color in basic solutions.
How are acidic solutions different from basic solutions?
basic solutions have more bases in them, molecules that release 0H- ions in the solution. acidic solutions have more acids, molecules that give off H+ ions in the solution
What color does blue litmus paper turn when immersed into an acid?
Blue Litmus Paper turns red when it is placed in an acid
Solutions that are neither acidic or basic are called?
neutral
Predict the acidic basic or neutral character of the solutions of the following salt?
acidic character
Acids Bases Salts?
In water solutions salts may be acidic, basic or amphoteric.
Which one is more acidic milk of magnesia or household amonia?
Neither is acidic, both are basic. But milk of magnesia is less basic and therefore more acidic.
