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In this activity, learners explore acids and bases by preparing six solutions that combine vinegar and ammonia, ranging from acid (all vinegar) to base (all ammonia). They add an indicator to each solution and compare the resulting colors to those on a pH scale chart. Learners then add drops of ammonia and vinegar to water and indicator, experimenting with the number of drops it takes to change the color of the water. This activity is currently used in the Chemical Reactions Unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Cost estimates are per 100 learners.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • microplate - one row of six wells
  • 125-mL erlenmeyer flask
  • 32oz household ammonia
  • 32oz vinegar
  • (2) 150-mL dropper bottles
  • 4oz universal indicator
  • 30-mL dropper bottle

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Acids and Bases
      • Solutions
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 9355628