Homemade Litmus Paper

I. Introduction

This time, we will do simple chemistry experiments based on acids and bases. We will determine how acidic or basic these substances are and we will also make our own natural indicators. In this case, we are going to use household. And by the way, this experiment cannot be only performed in schools or laboratories, but also at home for own personal interest.

II. Definition of Terms

1. pH - measure of acidity or basicity2. Red Cabbage - sort of cabbage used mostly in salads.  The plant changes its color according

to the pH value of the soil, due to a pigment belonging to anthocyanins.

3. Indicator - a chemical detector4. Acids - they are positive charged. Usually sour and corrosive.5. Bases - have negative charges. They are bitter and slippery.6. Salt - neutralization of acids and bases.7. Neutral - neither acidic or basic.8. Litmus Paper - used to indicate acids and bases by dipping in substances.9. Substances - consist of one atom or element.10. Solution - a homogenous mixture composed of only one phase.

III. Methodology of the experiment

A. Objectives1. To learn to use natural resources around us to discover or learn something we want.2. To be aware of the importance of acids and bases in our everyday life.3. To have fun and enjoy doing experiments.4. To classify substances whether they are acidic, basic or neutral.

B. Materials* Red Cabbage - vegetable used commonly on salads, this will serve as our main ingredient on

making PH indicator.*Bond paper - any porous white paper that will absorb the extracted juice of red cabbage.* Small container - any plastic or glass container that will hold samples of substances to be

tested.* Tap Water* Vinegar* Coke/soft drinks* Baking Soda* Shampoo* Soap*Calamansi Juice*Toothpaste*Coffee* Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

C. Procedure

- Use of Red Cabbage as Indicator1. Cut the cabbage into slices and place them into a pot.2. Add water enough to cover the slices and boil for 30 minutes.3. Pour the juice into a container.4. Cut some pours white paper or simply bond papers and soak them in red cabbage juice so they absorb it.5. Remove the cards and put them away to dry. You can use hair dryer to speed up drying. Then cut them into strips.

- Determine the pH of substances1. Place samples of the following substances in a small container. Dip the strips of homemade litmus paper and determine whether they are acidic, basic or just neutral by the color of litmus paper.

*Note:- Acids turn the litmus paper PINK.- Bases turn the litmus paper BLUE.

IV. PresentationA. Data/Observation

In my experiment, the homemade litmus paper, or should I say, Red Cabbage litmus papers changed their color whenever they are dipped in certain solutions. Some turned into blue, some turned to pink indicating that a substance is acid or base.

B. Interpretation of DataTo show a clear result, here’s a table of substances and their classification whether they are acid

or base :

SUBSTANCES ACIDS (PINK) BASES (BLUE)1. Tap Water 2. Vinegar 3. Coke 4. Baking Soda 5. Shampoo 6. Soap 7. Calamansi Juice 8. Toothpaste 9. Coffee 10. Ascorbic Acid

C. Question for Analysis1. What is the importance of solutions in our lives?2. Does acids ands and bases help us in any ways? If yes, how ?

D. ConclusionIn this experiment, I therefore conclude that there are natural substances that enable us to

discover some facts, like on how the red cabbage helped us o determine the acidity and basicity of a substance. With just simple steps, we are able to make our own litmus papers to be used as indicators on our acids and bases experiment. Acids and bases plays a big part in our lives, because these is where most of our household supplies are made of. And we should also learn to use these solutions moderately, because know we know how basic or acidic they are. Let us remember, One is enough while two is too much. Meaning, we should not overuse substances like them, or we should rather use them correctly. Most acids and bases are corrosive, so we should be careful on using and dealing in these solutions.

E. ApplicationUse them in other substances to know more about acids and bases, just ask help for elders if

you are going to try them on strong substances especially on acids. Or discover another natural indicators yourself.

F. Recommendation/SuggestionMy only recommendation is, you just have to try this experiment too :)