Homemade Litmus Paper

I. Introduction

This time, we will do simple chemistry experiments based on acids and bases. We will determine
how acidic or basic these substances are and we will also make our own natural indicators. In this case,
we are going to use household. And by the way, this experiment cannot be only performed in schools or
laboratories, but also at home for own personal interest.

II. Definition of Terms

1. pH - measure of acidity or basicity
2. Red Cabbage - sort of cabbage used mostly in salads. The plant changes its color according
to the pH value of the soil, due to a pigment belonging to anthocyanins.
3. Indicator - a chemical detector
4. Acids - they are positive charged. Usually sour and corrosive.
5. Bases - have negative charges. They are bitter and slippery.
6. Salt - neutralization of acids and bases.
7. Neutral - neither acidic or basic.
8. Litmus Paper - used to indicate acids and bases by dipping in substances.
9. Substances - consist of one atom or element.
10. Solution - a homogenous mixture composed of only one phase.

III. Methodology of the experiment

A. Objectives
1. To learn to use natural resources around us to discover or learn something we want.
2. To be aware of the importance of acids and bases in our everyday life.
3. To have fun and enjoy doing experiments.
4. To classify substances whether they are acidic, basic or neutral.

B. Materials
* Red Cabbage - vegetable used commonly on salads, this will serve as our main ingredient on
making PH indicator.
*Bond paper - any porous white paper that will absorb the extracted juice of red cabbage.
* Small container - any plastic or glass container that will hold samples of substances to be
tested.
* Tap Water
* Vinegar
* Coke/soft drinks
* Baking Soda
* Shampoo
* Soap
*Calamansi Juice
*Toothpaste
*Coffee
* Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)





C. Procedure

- Use of Red Cabbage as Indicator
1. Cut the cabbage into slices and place them into a pot.
2. Add water enough to cover the slices and boil for 30 minutes.
3. Pour the juice into a container.
4. Cut some pours white paper or simply bond papers and soak them in red cabbage juice so they absorb
it.
5. Remove the cards and put them away to dry. You can use hair dryer to speed up drying. Then cut
them into strips.














- Determine the pH of substances
1. Place samples of the following substances in a small container. Dip the strips of homemade litmus
paper and determine whether they are acidic, basic or just neutral by the color of litmus paper.

*Note:
- Acids turn the litmus paper PINK.
- Bases turn the litmus paper BLUE.













IV. Presentation
A. Data/Observation
In my experiment, the homemade litmus paper, or should I say, Red Cabbage litmus papers
changed their color whenever they are dipped in certain solutions. Some turned into blue, some turned
to pink indicating that a substance is acid or base.




B. Interpretation of Data
To show a clear result, heres a table of substances and their classification whether they are acid
or base :

SUBSTANCES ACIDS (PINK) BASES (BLUE)
1. Tap Water
2. Vinegar
3. Coke
4. Baking Soda
5. Shampoo
6. Soap
7. Calamansi Juice
8. Toothpaste
9. Coffee
10. Ascorbic Acid

C. Question for Analysis
1. What is the importance of solutions in our lives?
2. Does acids ands and bases help us in any ways? If yes, how ?

D. Conclusion
In this experiment, I therefore conclude that there are natural substances that enable us to
discover some facts, like on how the red cabbage helped us o determine the acidity and basicity of a
substance. With just simple steps, we are able to make our own litmus papers to be used as indicators
on our acids and bases experiment. Acids and bases plays a big part in our lives, because these is where
most of our household supplies are made of. And we should also learn to use these solutions
moderately, because know we know how basic or acidic they are. Let us remember, One is enough while
two is too much. Meaning, we should not overuse substances like them, or we should rather use them
correctly. Most acids and bases are corrosive, so we should be careful on using and dealing in these
solutions.

E. Application
Use them in other substances to know more about acids and bases, just ask help for elders if
you are going to try them on strong substances especially on acids. Or discover another natural
indicators yourself.

F. Recommendation/Suggestion
My only recommendation is, you just have to try this experiment too :)