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Cabbage juice was added to liquid Drano® and the resulting solution turned yellow. Is liquid Drano® acidic, basic, or neutral? Estimate the pH of liquid Drano®.

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Cabbage juice turning yellow when added to Liquid Drano® indicates an acidic nature. The yellow color observed when cabbage juice is added to Liquid Drano® suggests a very low pH, indicating a highly acidic nature likely resulting from the presence of strong acids in the drain cleaner's composition.

The change in color of cabbage juice when added to Liquid Drano® can provide information about the pH of the solution. Cabbage juice is a natural pH indicator that changes color in response to changes in acidity or basicity.

Step 1: Color Change Observation

If the cabbage juice turns yellow, it suggests an acidic environment. This color change aligns with the characteristic response of cabbage juice, which turns red in acidic solutions.

Step 2: Explanation of Color Change

The yellow color indicates a low pH, confirming that Liquid Drano® is acidic. The specific shade of yellow can give an estimate of the pH level.

Step 3: pH Estimate

A more accurate estimate of the pH can be obtained by comparing the observed color to a pH color chart calibrated with known pH values. The exact pH may vary, but the yellow color suggests a relatively low pH level.

Step 4: Explanation of Acidic Nature

The acidity of Liquid Drano® can be attributed to the presence of acidic substances in its composition. Many drain cleaners contain strong acids, such as sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, which contribute to their ability to dissolve organic matter and clear clogs.

Estimation of pH of liquid Drano®:

The specific shade of yellow can offer an estimate of the pH level. In the context of cabbage juice as an indicator, a yellow color typically corresponds to a pH range of around 1 to 3. This suggests that Liquid Drano® is likely to have a very low pH, indicative of a strong acidic nature.

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