======Milk of Magnesia Changing Colors======


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**Alternative titles:** Neutralizing Acids with Milk of Magnesia
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Pour about 100 mL of milk of magnesia into a 500 mL beaker and dilute with tap water until the beaker is half full.  
  - Add 10 mL of universal indicator. The solution should appear light blue, indicating slight alkalinity.  
  - Stir continuously (using a magnetic stirrer or by hand).  
  - Add 10–20 mL of vinegar or 1M hydrochloric acid and observe the color change to red as acidity dominates.  
  - Watch as more magnesium hydroxide dissolves, neutralizing the acid and shifting the color back through orange, yellow, green, and blue.  
  - Continue adding vinegar in small amounts to repeatedly demonstrate the full color spectrum shift.  




====Links==== 
Milk of Magnesia: A Colorful Chemistry Demonstration - Chemical Kim Science: 
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Magic Rainbow - Fun Chemistry Experiment with Milk of Magnesia and Vinegar - Beals Science: 
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📄 Color Changing Milk of Magnesia - Steve Spangler: [[https://stevespangler.com/experiments/color-changing-milk-of-magnesia/]]\\


====Variations====
  * Use red cabbage juice instead of universal indicator for a natural pH color change.  
  * Perform the demonstration in a large clear container for a classroom show effect.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Safety glasses required.  
  * Handle glassware carefully to avoid spills and breakage.  
  * Do not ingest the experimental mixture.  
  * Dispose of the solution safely by diluting with plenty of water down the sink.  





====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does the solution initially appear blue before vinegar is added?  
  * What chemical reaction is taking place between magnesium hydroxide and acetic acid (vinegar)?  
  * Why does the solution change color multiple times as the reaction continues?  
  * How does this experiment model what happens when people take antacids for heartburn?