The pH scale goes from 0 to 14. • A substance that has a pH below 7 is acidic. • A substance that has a pH of 7 is neutral. • A substance that has a pH above 7 is alkaline.
Indicators
An indicator is a substance that changes colour to show if a solution being tested is an acid or a base. Indicators contain dye that changes colour in acidic or alkaline solutions.
Litmus indicator Litmus indicator changes colour in an acid or base. It is often used in the form of paper, which is dipped into a substance.
• An acid turns blue litmus red. • A base turns red litmus blue. • A neutral solution will cause no change to red or blue litmus.
Litmus indicator does not show how concentrated the acid or alkali is.
:Fig. 22.5 Litmus paper Universal indicator
Universal indicator is a mixture of dyes (in paper or liquid form) that change colour when they come into contact with an acid or base.
Unlike litmus indicator, universal indicator shows how concentrated an acid or alkali is. This is because its colour range matches up to the pH scale.
The pH of a solution can also be measured using a digital pH meter. A probe is placed in the solution and the pH is displayed on the meter. The advantage of using a pH meter is that it indicates very small differences in pH.
:Fig. 22.6 Universal indicator paper 214 Elements of Science