The Dogmother Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Rosie has just rung me at work.. she's left her science book at home, but they conducted and experiment yesterday to determine whether tap water is acid or alkaline (they didn't use litmus paper, which was my first suggestion). The test for acid used sodium somethingorother and then iodine. There's another test for alkaline and she needs to knwo the chemicals used for both. I really don't recall doing this at all, and a trawl of t'internet didn't turn anything up.... any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joojoo Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Hi Clare. The acidity test would be using sodium chloride and iodine but not sure off the top of my head what the alkaline test would use. I'll see if I can find out. Jue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Cripes! I never took much notice of chemistry lessons! Citric acid? sulphuric acid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 Thanks, that helps. we're getting there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Who thinks up these questions anyway! I know to test for alkaline soil you add vinegar so there must be some sort of acid involved *Clutches for a straw* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 It's got me too and I'm surprised that it's not on the web. Have emailed a scientist friend to see if she knows... I guess Rosie will just have to check her book when she gets to school tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Bicarb of soda - I think is alkaline but dont know what you do with it. We used litmus paper - I mean why make things complicated - Seemple Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 The chemist has just got home. His answers are, to test for acid sodium hydroxide or sodium bicarb with the iodine if the solution was acidic there would be colour change probably to black. To test for alkalinity there is lots you could use, off the top of his head he suggests phenolpthalein or more likely pottasium permanganate the colour change would probably be from pink to clear. It's a long time since he did this sort of thing so don't take it as gospel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted October 7, 2009 Share Posted October 7, 2009 Sodium Hydroxide - Hydrochloric Acid and universal indicator are used to make the "rainbow" effect of ph's. Universal indicator itself is a common school "test" as alternative to litmus papers. Tell Rosie not to forget her book next time ....... JOKING ........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 7, 2009 Author Share Posted October 7, 2009 Phew! Thanks Guys; I have written that down Claire and will pass it on tomorrow. She's so annoyed that she left her books at school, especially after writing up the experiment. Unfortunately, none of her friends are in the same science set so she can't even ring for help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I expect you have all these goodies in your cupboards Claret We used to use Potasium Permanganate on dressings for leg ulcers years ago - meant you had one purple leg. I hope your daughter doesnt blow the house up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 I have a fair few things like that, but won't allow any experiments at home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ClaireG Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 Is now the right time to tell you that DH did actually blow himself up? It was two weeks after we got married. He was asked to treat some unknown chemicals and unknown to him one was water reactive and went up due to moisture in the air. He now has to wear glasses and has a pin in his thumb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Ummmmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 very wise too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubereglu Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 I see you're sorted now then and don't need my help! Although I haven't done chemistry since January and currently am not doing it as AS level, although I did think about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Thanks Liz, she wrote up the homework in her lunchbreak today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted October 8, 2009 Share Posted October 8, 2009 It's got me too and I'm surprised that it's not on the web. Have emailed a scientist friend to see if she knows... I guess Rosie will just have to check her book when she gets to school tomorrow. Cripes Claret, you emailed me! I hope you meant someone else!! Glad you got your answer, I only picked up my emails late last night and was completely clueless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 you're one of a couple of clever friends I have, Snowy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
