What will be the effect on the colour if red litmus paper when dropped in 1.sodium hydroxide 2.dilute hydrochloric acid 3.lime juice 4. Water

Bases turn red litmus blue.

Acids turn blue litmus red.
1.sodium hydroxide is a base.
2.dilute hydrochloric acid is an acid
3.lime juice is an acid
4. Water (if distilled or deionized) is neutral and won't change the color of the litmus paper.

Dong Ahmed

25,4,2022

resulting color of the NaOH and red

Answers

When red litmus paper is dropped into different substances, the color change can indicate whether the substance is acidic or basic (alkaline). Here's what you can expect with each substance:

1. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, so when red litmus paper is dropped into it, the paper will turn blue. The presence of a blue color indicates a basic or alkaline solution.

2. Dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl): Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, so when red litmus paper is dropped into it, the paper will remain red. The lack of color change confirms that the substance is acidic.

3. Lime Juice: Lime juice is slightly acidic due to the presence of citric acid. When red litmus paper is dropped into lime juice, the paper will stay red or may show a slightly deeper shade of red. This suggests the acidic nature of lime juice.

4. Water: Pure water is considered neutral, neither acidic nor basic. Therefore, when the red litmus paper is dropped into water, it will stay red, indicating a neutral solution.

To determine if a substance is acidic or basic using litmus paper, it's crucial to observe the change in color. Red litmus paper turns blue in the presence of bases/alkaline solutions, remains red in the presence of acids, and stays red in neutral solutions.