which substance is usually used to show if the solution is acidic or alkaline?

An indicator such as litmus paper, pH paper, or phenolphthalein is usually used to show if a solution is acidic or alkaline.

The substance that is commonly used to show if a solution is acidic or alkaline is known as an indicator. One commonly used indicator is litmus paper, which turns red in acidic solutions and blue in alkaline solutions. Another popular indicator is Phenolphthalein, which is colorless in acidic solutions and turns pink or purple in alkaline solutions.

The substance that is commonly used to show whether a solution is acidic or alkaline is called an indicator. One of the most widely used indicators is litmus paper or solution. Litmus paper is usually made from a natural dye derived from lichens. It is either red or blue, depending on its pH.

To use litmus paper, you can follow these steps:

1. Obtain a small piece of litmus paper or a few drops of litmus solution.
2. Dip the litmus paper or add a few drops of litmus solution into the solution you want to test.
3. Observe the color change that occurs.

If the litmus paper turns from red to blue or the litmus solution turns from red to violet, it indicates that the solution is alkaline (basic). If the litmus paper turns from blue to red or the litmus solution turns from blue to red, it indicates that the solution is acidic.

It's important to note that litmus paper only gives a rough indication of acidity or alkalinity and does not provide information about the exact pH value. To determine the precise pH of a solution, you would need to use a pH meter or a more accurate pH indicator.