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Name: __________________________________________________________ Date: _______________ Period: _______

pH Lab Activity

The pH scale measures the amount of H+ ions within a solution. Acids are solutions that have a high amount of H+ ions, while

solutions with a low amount of H+ ions are called bases. Bases however have a high amount of hydroxide (OH-) ions, while

acids have a low amount of hydroxide ions. Universal litmus paper can indicate whether a solution is an acid or a base, and

indicate the strength of the acid or base. The initial color of universal pH paper is orange, but it will change colors depending

on the strength of the acid or base. In this activity you will measure the pH of various household items.

Student Materials:

Plastic wells tray

d. Universal litmus paper

b. Test tube holder with 7 unknown solution test tubes

Forceps

Eyedropper

pH color key

Directions:

Add about 5 drops of unknown solution A into one of the plastic wells.

b. Using your forceps, dip a small piece of universal pH paper into the well containing solution A.

Compare the color of the pH paper to the color key at your lab station.

d. Record your results in the table below.

Rinse your eyedropper under running water and repeat these steps for each unknown solution, one at a time.

Data/Results:

Solution

Acid, base, or neutral?

Clean up Procedures:

If I have to clean up your lab station your entire group will receive a 0%, no excuses or exceptions.

1. Do not empty your 7 test tubes. They will be needed by other class periods.

2. Rinse your plastic wells underneath running water. Be careful! The water comes out fast. The pH paper can simply go down

the drain.

3. Rinse the eyedropper under running water.

4. Wet a paper towel and wipe down your lab table (even if you didn’t have any spills).

5. Return your clean supplies to your lab station.

6. Wash your hands.

Analysis:

1) Label the following information on the blank pH scale below: (check off each box when finished)

The location of acids.

The location of bases.

The location of neutral.

Where the most H+ ions can be found.

Where the fewest H+ ions can be found.

Where the most OH- ions can be found.

Where the fewest OH- ions can be found.

Ph Lab Activity