======Testing pH Indicators======


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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Prepare a series of solutions with different pH values, ranging from strongly acidic to strongly basic.  
  - Select several pH indicators to test. Examples include litmus, universal indicator, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, bromothymol blue, and natural extracts such as red cabbage juice.  
  - Place small samples of each pH solution into test tubes or wells in a spotting tile.  
  - Add a few drops of an indicator to each solution and record the color observed.  
  - Repeat the process with the other indicators to compare results.  
  - Summarize findings in a table showing pH values and corresponding indicator colors.



====Links==== 
Chemistry Lesson | pH Indicator | Acid & Base Experiment | Science for Kids - Big Bang Academy Kids: 
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====Variations====
  * Test natural indicators from foods such as beetroot, turmeric, blueberries, or hibiscus tea.  
  * Compare the sensitivity of synthetic versus natural indicators across different pH ranges.  
  * Use a digital pH probe to measure exact pH values and compare them to the indicator results. 



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect against spills.  
  * Handle acids and bases with care; even dilute solutions can irritate skin and eyes.  
  * Avoid tasting or touching any chemicals or indicator solutions.  
  * Dispose of all solutions safely, flushing dilute samples down the sink with plenty of water.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why do different indicators show different colors at the same pH? (Because each indicator has its own unique transition range where its molecular structure changes.)  
  * How could using multiple indicators improve the accuracy of identifying a solution’s pH? (By covering overlapping pH ranges, giving a clearer estimate.)  
  * Why might natural indicators be less precise than laboratory-prepared indicators? (Natural extracts often contain mixtures of compounds, making the color changes less sharp.)  
  * What practical uses are there for pH indicators outside the classroom? (They are used in soil testing, swimming pool maintenance, medical diagnostics, and industrial processes.)