A material's pH level is how acidic or alkaline it is.The water is neutral and has a pH of 7.0.The materials from 1-8 are acidic.Store-bought test strips or a red cabbage extract can be used to find out the pH of a material.
Step 1: Purchase a box of test strips.
They can be found on the internet or at a pharmacy.Pool supply stores should carry this equipment.Make sure the test strips cover the whole range by looking at the box.Some test strips don't cover the whole scale.Save the packaging if you want to use the color code on the box to accurately measure pH.
Step 2: There are instructions on the test strip box.
All pH strips work the same, but might have different instructions.Some people need to be held in the liquid for several seconds to get an accurate reading, and some people can produce a reading instantly.
Step 3: You can put the liquid into a cup.
No need to fill the whole cup if you only need a small amount to test the liquid's pH.Pour enough to cover the bottom of the cup.Before you fill the cup, make sure to rinse it with distilled water.If you don't know what it is, wear gloves and goggles.It is possible to burn your skin or eyes with acidic or alkaline liquids.
Step 4: If you're testing your body's pH, spit into a spoon.
Test strips can be used to measure your body's pH level.Don't put the strips in your mouth because they can be harmful to your body.Follow the directions for dipping in a test strip if you spit into a spoon.Before doing this, don't eat, drink or brush your teeth for 30 minutes.Your mouth's pH can be affected by these activities.
Step 5: The liquid should be put into the test strip.
The tip needs to be inserted into the liquid.The box says to leave the strip in the liquid.Within a few seconds, you will see that the test strip is reacting to the liquid.If you want to keep liquid out of the cup, hold the strip above it for a short time.Remove any liquid from the inside of the cup.You may have a faulty test strip if it doesn't react at all.If you don't get a response, return them to the store.
Step 6: You have to match the color.
The test strip changes color when it reacts with the liquid.The box has one of the color patterns on it.There is a unique pattern to the pH levels from 0 to 14.You can see the color pattern on the strip by holding it up to the box.The number indicates what the liquid's pH is.You can find universal color codes online if you misplace the test strip packaging.You can conduct the test on the internet.
Step 7: You should get a container of water.
The water's pH is exactly 7.If you want to do this step, use distilled water.Anything you measure will be more acidic because of the slightly acidic water from the tap.Drug stores carry containers of water.The water companies will deliver containers of water to your home.
Step 8: If you're testing food, blend it into a paste.
Food items need to be broken down to get an accurate pH reading.If you want to make a paste, scoop the food into a processor and blend it.If the item is dry or not paste consistency, add distilled water.Don't scoop food out of the processor.You don't want to get cut.
Step 9: The sample should be mixed with a small amount of distilled water.
The distilled water should not be more than 25% of the sample volume.If your sample is 100 liters, you should only add 25 liters of water.To check the volume, use a measuring cup.The sample should be mixed together.If you are testing a food item that comes in liquid, also mix in some of that liquid.You can get a comprehensive reading of the item's pH.
Step 10: The test strip should be put into the mixture.
You don't have to submerge the entire strip.The tip will measure the pH.The box says to leave the strip in the liquid.The color begins to change.Leave the test strip over the cup for a few seconds to let excess liquid out.
Step 11: You have to match the color.
In a few seconds, the test strip will change color.There is a pattern to the pH levels from 0 to 14.The box has color patterns printed on it.You can see which color pattern matches by holding the test strip up to the box.The material's pH is related to that number.Universal color codes are available online if you misplace the test strip packaging.You can conduct the test by searching for one on the internet.
Step 12: There is a container of red cabbage extract.
You can find red cabbage extract sellers on the internet.The liquid has a unique characteristic because it reacts and changes color according to the pH of the liquid it is mixed with.This won't give you an exact measurement, but it will give a general idea of the pH for liquids.A popular classroom experiment is to use red cabbage as a pH indicator.
Step 13: You are testing the liquid in a cup.
If you want to test 100 liters of liquid, you have to measure it and pour it into a cup.If you want a clear view of the color change, use a beaker or clear glass cup.Wearing goggles protects your eyes from splashes.
Step 14: Add 50 liters of red cabbage extract.
The cabbage juice should react with the liquid in a few seconds.To help the reaction along, stir the mixture lightly.
Step 15: Determine the color of the mixture.
The cabbage juice should change its color after a few seconds.You can use the guide to assess the liquid's pH.The pH is 1-2 if the mixture is pink.The pH is 3-4 if the mixture is dark red.The pH is 4-7 if the mixture is violet.The pH is 8 if the mixture is blue.The pH is 9 if the mixture is blue-green.The pH is 11 if the mixture is green-yellow.
Step 16: You can use fresh cabbage juice to test.
The cabbage juice will not give you an accurate reading after one use.The liquid should be poured out and washed with water.You can use a fresh cup.If you are testing several liquids, fill each empty cup with a different liquid.You need to remember which liquid is in each cup.If you want to test several at once, pour the cabbage juice into each cup one at a time.