Acids and Bases are important, not only in the science world, in the industrial world and other fields as well. The different ranges of acids and bases are identified as the pH (Potential of Hydrogen) level.
All though Acids and Bases might be similar in some ways, there are huge differences between them. One of the differences is that Acid produces positive hydrogen ions when dissolved in water, making it to be able to conduct electricity because of those charged particles in the solutions. Whereas base produces negative hydroxide ion when dissolved in water.
In the industrial world, Acids and bases are important because a variety of products contain these two. For example, sulfuric acids are used to manufacture detergent, paper, and paint. Soaps contain a type of base called Potassium Hydroxide. Bases are also found in many cleaning products, concrete or deodorants.
The Acids and Bases also plays a role to balance the pH level in our body to ensure great health. If the pH level is unbalanced, it will cause some health problems. Unbalanced pH level can cause stomach ache due to the rise of acidity. Unbalanced pH level in the brain can cause depression, moodiness, memory loss, hallucinations, anxiety, and restlessness
We can easily detect acids or base by using the indicator, which can be a red litmus. The indicator will change color according to the level of Ph that comes to contact with it. To further test and study this theory, we have done a PH test of different substances including:
- Lime juice
- Vinegar
- Lime Soda
- Water
- Toothpaste
- Baking Soda
- Bleach
We have used red cabbage solution as the indicator. Here is a photo we got after adding each substance into a plastic cup and what it had changed when we put the indicator in.
This experiment shows how substances change their property when it comes to contact with the indicator (cabbage solution).