Learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Measure pH with universal indicator and a pH meter, and classify everyday substances as acidic, neutral, or basic.
• Compare red cabbage, litmus, and phenolphthalein indicators and use them to identify unknown solutions.
• Relate pH to [H⁺] and [OH⁻], explain why each pH unit is a tenfold change, and calculate pH, pOH, [H⁺], and [OH⁻].
• Carry out an acid-base titration, identify the endpoint, calculate an unknown concentration, and compare strong and weak acids.

Standards alignment

• HS-PS1-7 NGSS: Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction (neutralization and titration).
• HSF-BF.B.5 CCSS Math: Understand the inverse relationship between exponents and logarithms.
• HSN-Q.A.1 CCSS Math: Use units to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems.
• SEP 3, 4 NGSS Science and Engineering Practices: plan and carry out investigations; analyze and interpret data.

Includes

Four stages: testing ten household substances and placing them on the pH scale, comparing three indicators and identifying four unknowns, exploring [H⁺], dilution, and pH calculations, and three titrations including a weak acid (vinegar); and a printable lab worksheet. A teacher answer key is available from Logical Home Schooling. For the particle-level view of acids and bases (solutions, Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis), see Acid-Base Lab.

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