Investigating pH

This practical lesson covers:

  1. Neutralisation reactions between powdered calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide and hydrochloric acid

Investigating pH


Aim

To investigate the change in pH on adding powdered calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide to a fixed volume of dilute hydrochloric acid. 

Background information

Neutralisation reactions take place when an acid reacts with a base. Acids have a pH less than 7 and bases have a pH greater than 7. In this practical, you will react powdered calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide with dilute hydrochloric acid. The change in pH is measured by observing the colour change of universal indicator.

What is the purpose of adding universal indicator in the experiment?

to compare the color to a pH chart

to measure the volume of hydrochloric acid

to dissolve the calcium hydroxide

to neutralise the hydrochloric acid

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Which substance is added one spatula at a time during the experiment?

calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide

hydrochloric acid

dilute hydrochloric acid

universal indicator

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When should the addition of calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide be stopped?

when the pH becomes acidic

when the pH becomes neutral

when the pH remains constant

when the pH becomes alkaline

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