pH scale
Scientific name: Power of hydrogen
Acids and Bases
Acid: An acid is an acidic substance that may taste sour. An acid can range from a strong acid to a weak acid scaling from to on the pH scale. An acid can be extremely dangerous if not handled with care, causing corrosive accidents.
Base: A base is a substance that can feel slippery or soapy and may taste bitter. Bases can range from a weak base to a strong base scaling from to on the pH scale. A strong base can be very dangerous if not handled with caution.
Neutral: A neutral substance is a substance that is neither acidic nor basic. Neutrals do not show any properties of a strong acid or base. Pure water is a perfect example of a neutral, also being a on the pH scale.
Neutralisation: The reaction between an acid and a base causing neutralisation. During neutralisation, the acidic and basic properties begin to reduce.
Indicators
Indicators: We can't always taste every chemical that can become extremely dangerous, so instead we have things called indicators to do the job for us.
The most common indicator is litmus paper. If you dip blue litmus paper into a base it will remain blue, if you dip red litmus paper into an acid the paper will remain red, if you dip blue litmus paper into an acid it will turn red, and finally if you dip red litmus paper into a base it will turn blue.
Natural indicators are even better, making them safe for the environment. Red cabbage juice is a great indicator for the pH scale.