The Art of Testing pH Levels

In this report we will discuss various methods that can be used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, also called pH level. The scale used for measuring acidity and alkalinity is called the pH scale and measures the amount of H + ions in solution. The pH of the acid is less than 7; the pH of the base is higher than the strong acid with the lowest pH (0 to 4) and the strong base has the highest pH (10 to 14). The pH of the neutral solution is 7, neither acid nor basic. Since H + and OH - ions are balanced, the distilled water is neutral.

The pH of liquids and solutions is important information in science. The pH can be easily and quickly measured using pH test paper, pH indicator bar or pH meter. pH test paper and indicator bar are paper sheets containing pH indicator or hard rod (chemicals change in color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the solution). To measure pH, immerse pH test paper or indicator bar in liquid. The color of the impregnated paper / stick is then matched with the color test paper or the color key attached to the indicator rod container. Each color of the key represents a different pH value. An example of the pH indicator bar used and the corresponding color key is shown below. The pH meter is an electronic device for measuring pH. They consist of probes immersed in the solution and digital measurements. The pH meter is more accurate than the pH test strip and the indicator stick.

Students test the pH of household substances by testing various common compounds. The material was tested on a pH strip and placed on a continuum with a pH range of 1 to 14. After testing the solution, students compare the strip color to the scale displayed in the container and give the solution a rating of 1 to 14. With the determined number, the name of the solution is placed in the continuum. Household substances have specific pH attributes, which are characteristics necessary for the use of that substance. After the laboratory students test other substances at home to determine the pH of these substances.

This activity is designed so that students can identify the pH of the compound. By testing general household substances, we understand how to determine the cause and use of compounds that pH reacts with other substances. Students learn about the properties of acids and bases, and how to test the pH of liquids. Operating environment: The pH of general household goods subject to survey is designed for the classroom of junior high school in 6th grade. This activity was implemented as a laboratory with emphasis on previously defined safety rules. Rules include: self-monitoring movement between lab stations, not tasting, keeping that area away from other materials, placing used materials on paper towels. The technologies used and developed are the recorded data on pH test method, observation of specimen color, comparison with specimen pH scale, and continuum. In addition, students are asked to know how their family uses the substance in relation to the pH of the substance.