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How do you detect ammonia leaks?

A) Odor
B) Visual inspection
C) Electronic sensors
D) Red litmus paper turns __________.
E) Blue litmus paper turns __________.
F) White litmus paper turns __________.

User Leon V
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1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Detecting ammonia leaks can be achieved through the use of blue and white litmus papers, which turn blue, and phenolphthalein, which turns pink in the presence of the ammonia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ammonia leaks can be detected using color-changing indicators such as litmus paper. When trying to detect ammonia, a substance known for its basic (alkaline) properties, two types of litmus paper are generally used. Blue litmus paper, which will remain unchanged in the presence of a base, and red litmus paper, which turns blue when it comes into contact with basic substances like ammonia. Specifically, ammonia will cause the E) Blue litmus paper turns blue(unchanged), and F) White litmus paper, which is typically neutral, also turns blue when exposed to ammonia. The color change occurs because bases have a pH value greater than 7 and cause blue litmus to retain its color or turn red litmus paper blue, indicating the presence of a basic substance like ammonia.

Another method for detecting ammonia involves the use of phenolphthalein, an indicator that turns pink in the presence of a base. Ammonia, which turns phenolphthalein pink, demonstrates its basic properties, confirming its presence when a color change in the indicator occurs. In summary, detecting ammonia leaks involves observing the color changes of indicators - blue litmus paper stays blue or turns white litmus paper blue, and phenolphthalein turns pink.

User HonoredMule
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