SNC 2D

Date: ______

Introduction to Acids and Bases Demo

Objectives

1.  To become familiar with a variety of typical laboratory tests for acids and bases.

2.  To test a variety of household products and classify them as acids and bases.

3.  To identify unknowns as either acids or bases due to their reactions with different indicators.

Supplies

Equipment

6 small test tubes

test tube rack

safety googles

Chemical Reagents

Set of 4 unknown solutions (acids or bases) labeled A-D

Chemical indicators:

Phenolphthalein solution

Methyl Orange

Red litmus paper

Blue litmus paper

Magnesium ribbon

Set of known household products (vinegar, oven cleaner, lemon juice, pop, milk of magnesia)

Observations

Part I: Tests of Unknown Solutions

Unknown
Solution / Chemical Indicators / Magnesium Metal
Phenolphthalein / Methyl Orange / Red Litmus / Blue Litmus
A
B
C
D

Part II: Tests of Common Household Products

Household
Products / Chemical Indicators / Magnesium Metal
Phenolphthalein / Methyl Orange / Red Litmus / Blue Litmus
Vinegar
Oven Cleaner
Pop
Lemon
Juice
Milk of Magnesia

Analysis of Results

1.  Examine the data from Part I and form groups of solutions on the bases of similar properties. Classify one of these groups as acids and the other as bases.

2.  Using the results from Part II classify the household products as acids or bases.

3.  What, if any, general pattern exists with regard to the types of household products that are acids and those that are bases?

4.  Acid rain contains varying amounts of sulfuric acid and/or nitric acid.

a.  Predict the test results you might expect if you were to test a sample of acid rain in this experiment.

Chemical Indicators / Magnesium Metal
Phenolphthalein / Methyl Orange / Red Litmus / Blue Litmus
Acid
Rain

b.  What should the chemical formula of sulfuric acid and nitric acids have in common?

c.  Write out the chemical formulas for sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

5.  Summarize the results of this demonstration in the table below:

Indicator / Tests For (Acid/Base) / Observation
Phenolphthalein
Methyl Orange
Red Litmus
Blue Litmus
Magnesium Metal