Final answer:
Chemistry students can use litmus or pH paper to quickly estimate the pH of a solution by observing the change in color of the indicator paper when dipped in the solution and comparing it to a provided standard chart. This process helps determine the acidity or alkalinity without the need for complex equipment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question is Chemistry. When testing the pH of a solution, one can make use of litmus or pH paper. This type of indicator paper is treated with a mixture of indicators that react and change color when exposed to different pH levels. The litmus paper changes from pink to blue in basic solutions and from blue to pink in acidic solutions. Other, more sophisticated pH papers can provide a range of colors corresponding to specific pH levels.
To use pH paper, you simply dip a strip of this paper into the solution or apply a drop of the solution to the strip using a stirring rod. After a moment, the paper will change color, and you can compare this color to a standard chart provided with the pH paper to estimate the pH of the solution. This method is a quick and simple way to test the acidity or alkalinity of a solution without requiring an electronic pH meter.
Phenolphthalein is another common indicator used in acids and bases experiments. It turns colorless in acidic solutions and pink in basic solutions. It is important to remember that acids and bases neutralize each other, and indicators such as phenolphthalein can be used in titrations to find the endpoint of a reaction where the acid and base are neutralized.