Question

A solution is spilled on the lab bench. It touches litmus paper and the paper turns blue. What should you use to neutralize this solution?

Answer 1

The solution should be neutralized with an acid

Step-by-step explanation:

A base is known to turn moist red litmus paper to blue. The litmus test is the commonest test used to ascertain if a substance is acidic or basic.

Litmus paper changes it's colour depending on the nature of the solution. Moist red litmus paper turns blue to show a basic solution while moist blue litmus paper turns red to show an acidic solution.

Neutralization involves an acid-base reaction to form salt and water only. If the spilled solution is a base, then an acid is required to neutralize it. It was stated that the spilled solution turned litmus paper blue hence it is basic. Thus we need an acid to neutralize it.