Acids and bases
I can describe some properties of acids and bases and use litmus paper to test for acids and bases.
Acids and bases
I can describe some properties of acids and bases and use litmus paper to test for acids and bases.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Edible acids have a sour taste.
- A base is any substance that reacts with acids to form a compound called a salt.
- Alkalis are soluble bases, and form alkaline solutions.
- Some acids and alkalis are corrosive and can cause chemical burns.
- An acid turns blue litmus paper red, an alkali turns red litmus paper blue.
Keywords
Acid - a solution that has a pH of less than 7.
Base - a substance that reacts with an acid to form a compound called a salt.
Alkali - a soluble base that has a pH of greater than 7.
Litmus paper - used to test if a solution is an acid or an alkali.
Corrosive substance - can react to damage substances or cause chemical burns on skin.
Common misconception
Pupils can get confused by the litmus paper test and presume that a change has to take place for it to be a positive result.
Use the phrases, stay red, stay blue, turn red, turn blue to help them understand that sometimes a positive test is no colour change.
Equipment
Test tubes, house hold solutions to test, plastic pipette, spotting tile, red litmus paper, blue litmus paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What should you never do in order to see if a liquid is acidic?
Q2.Which part of our body releases hydrochloric acid to kill bacteria on our food?
Q3.Vinegar is an acid. When it is added to bicarbonate of soda, a chemical reaction occurs. The mixture fizzed showing a was being released.
Q4.Naturally occurring acids are often found in fruit making them taste sour. Which fruit contains the least acid?
Q5.What happens to the atoms in an acid during a chemical reaction?
Q6.Which of the following are not chemical properties?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Citric acid is found in many fruits. What does it taste like?
Q2.Which of the following hazard symbols is found on corrosive substances?
