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44.4: Procedures

  • Page ID
    29375
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    You will test the pH level of a variety of household items.

    1. Draw a table in which to record the data for your lab team’s products.  Do not fill in data until you have read the instructions for obtaining that data.

    Table \(\PageIndex{1}\): Data Table

    Household Product

    pH Value

    Acid or Base

         
         
         
         
         
         
         
         
    1. Obtain a small amount (5-10 mL) of your first item in one of the 100 mL beaker; do not place your pH strip into the original container, so you do not contaminate the contents of the container.

    2. Place the multi-colored end of one pH test strip into full contact with your first substance, for a brief moment.  The test strip will react immediately upon contact.  Match the colors on the strip to the color guide on the box.  Record the name of the substance and the pH value according to the test strip.  Set aside the used pH test strip; it is trash.

    clipboard_e69b062f4919b4dbcf15bd3f61e8174e5.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): pH test strip
    1. Complete the pH testing for all of your substances, and record your pH data for each substance.  

    2. Identify each substance in your data table as an acid or a base, as indicated by the pH value.

    3. Label one of the 3-oz paper cups “acid” and fill this cup about 1/4 full with your strongest acid.  Label the other 3-oz paper cup “base” and fill this cup about 1/4 full with your strongest base.  Place both cups on a paper towel.  Allow the cups to set for a few minutes (at least 10 minutes).  While you allow time for the substances to interact with your paper cups, write your team’s substances and pH values on the board.

    4. Examine each 3-oz paper cup and discuss as a team whether there is any evidence that a chemical reaction between the substance and the cup has taken place.  Then walk to the other lab tables and view their 3-oz paper cups.  Record your general observations.

    Clean-up

    • Pour all household substances from beakers and paper cups into sink
    • Thoroughly wash and completely dry beakers 
    • Throw away used pH test strips and paper cups
    • Clean your lab table

    Contributors and Attributions


    44.4: Procedures is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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