Explain the chemical changes that occur in the red cabbage lab that changes the color of the cabbage juice.
I know it has something to do with the hydrogen ions and maybe something to do with the electrons, but I don't understand what or how to answer this question
Frankly, I don't know what you did in the red cabbage experiment. Without knowing what you did it's tough to answer any questions about it. That's why I gave you a link. If you google it you can find a lot of information.
Certainly! In the red cabbage lab, there is a chemical change that occurs, leading to a change in the color of the cabbage juice. This change in color is a result of a process called pH indicator.
Red cabbage contains a pigment known as anthocyanin. Anthocyanins are natural pH indicators, meaning they change color in response to changes in the acidity or alkalinity of their surroundings. The red cabbage juice contains molecules of anthocyanin that undergo chemical changes when they come into contact with substances that alter the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution.
When an acid is added to the cabbage juice, it increases the concentration of hydrogen ions. The anthocyanin molecules react with the hydrogen ions, changing their molecular structure and causing the molecule to absorb specific wavelengths of light and reflect different colors. This is what gives the cabbage juice its vibrant colors such as red.
On the other hand, when a base is added, it decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions. This triggers a different chemical change in the anthocyanin molecules, altering their molecular structure, and resulting in a shift in color towards blue or green.
The change in color observed in the red cabbage lab is primarily due to the interaction between the anthocyanin pigment and the hydrogen ions present in the solutions being tested. By comparing the color change to a pH color chart, it is possible to determine the approximate pH of the tested substance.
So, in summary, the change in color of the cabbage juice is caused by the reaction of anthocyanin pigment with different concentrations of hydrogen ions (acids or bases) present in the solution being tested, which are responsible for the observed chemical changes.