Friday, April 27, 2012

Positively pH

In this experiment we are going to show you a very simple and colorful way to learn the difference between the acids and bases in your home!

Materials:
- 1 Head Red Cabbage
- Lemon Juice
- Aspirin
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Epsom Salt
- Tums

1.) Boil the red cabbage until the water turns a blue-ish. (This takes all of the color out of the cabbage)


2.) Let the cabbage juice cool. (This juice is best used fresh, after about 3 days the juice doesn't work as well for this experiment.)


3.) Pour a little bit of cabbage juice into 7 test tubes.


4.) In each test tube add a little of each item. (So in one tube add some aspirin and baking soda in another.)
Leave the last test tube empty as a control.

5.) Compare the colors in each tube. The tube with lemon juice should be a distinct pink color while the baking soda is a blue-green color.

The acids in this experiment will turn a pink or light purple color while the bases will be blue-green.
You can use the red cabbage juice to find out if other things in your house are acidic or basic too! Go try some soap, apple juice, or even a little of that soup you had for dinner!