You can determine a solution's pH using a test tube and a pH strip.
The pH of a chemical solution is one of the most important concepts in stoichiometry (the science of chemical reactions). A solution's pH is a measure of its acidity, calculated by estimating the activity of hydrogen ions (H+) in the mixture. Solutions with a higher activity of H+ ions have a lower pH and therefore a higher acidity. The following projects demonstrate how pH measurements can be used as valuable data toward making a scientific discovery.
Compare pH of Different Water Sources
Our drinking water comes from a variety of different sources. A comparison of the pH levels of tap water, bottled water, mineral water and well water will give an indication of their purity (a pH of 7, or neutral, is desirable for drinking water). For this experiment you will need water samples, pH strips and test tubes.
Alter a Substance's pH
There are many ways to change a solution's pH to make it either more acidic or more basic. Using a variety of household materials (baking soda, salt, vinegar, etc.), attempt to alter the pH of a solution of tap water (pH approximately 7) to make it as acidic or basic as you can. Use your data to make predictions about what type of interactions increase acidity and what type of interactions decrease pH. You will need pH strips and test tubes for this experiment.
Examine Effect of pH on Growth and Development
The pH level of an organism's surroundings, such as the air or soil, may play an important role in its growth and development. Obtain three different soil types with significant differences in their pH. Place a seed of the plant of your choice in each of the three soil samples and place them in the same environment, making sure they receive roughly the same amount of sunlight and water. Observe differences in their growth patterns (e.g., stem height, number of leaves and flowers, etc.) from week to week.
How Do Environmental Factors Affect pH?
The ambient temperature can cause the pH of a solution to be higher or lower than its normal value. Calculate the pH of several liquids such as tap water, orange juice and laundry detergent at room temperature (68 degrees Fahrenheit), and then calculate their pH at significantly higher and significantly lower temperatures. Record your observations and make predictions about the effect of temperature change on pH.
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