Inorganic Chemistry

New kid on the Block

Joined:	22 Oct 2011
Post:	7

25 Oct 2011 22:08:40 IST

0 People liked this

412

HOW WE CAN DETERMINE WHETHER A COMPOUND IS ACID OR BASE?

Chemistry

HOW WE CAN DETERMINE WHETHER A COMPOUND IS ACID OR BASE?

Share this article on:

Cool goIITian

Joined: 16 Sep 2011

Posts: 43

25 Oct 2011 22:19:52 IST

Like 0 people liked this

We use various type of substances known as indicators to determine whether a compound is an acid or base.

Some indicators which are olfactory indicators like vanilla and onion use odur to determine acid or base.

Other indicators show change in physical properties(mainly colours)

Some examples are

Indicator Acid Base

Litmus Red Blue

Turmeric Yellow Reddish brown

China rose Magenta Green

Methyl Orange Orange Yellow

Phenolphthalein colourless Pink

Turmeric Yellow Red

Forum Expert

Joined: 19 Oct 2006

Posts: 7537

26 Jan 2012 19:31:04 IST

Like 0 people liked this

What are acids and bases?

Observational definitions:

Acids:	Bases:
Taste sour.	Taste bitter.
Give sharp stinging pain in a cut or wound.	Feels slippery
Turn blue litmus paper red.	Turn red litmus paper blue.
Turn phenolphthalein colorless.	Turn phenolphthalein pink.
React with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
React with carbonates or bicarbonates to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Quick Reply

Reply

	Some HTML allowed.
	Keep your comments above the belt or risk having them deleted.
	Signup for a avatar to have your pictures show up by your comment
	If Members see a thread that violates the Posting Rules, bring it to the attention of the Moderator Team