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Year 10 - Science

Change in pH: practical

Making salts

Unit Summary

This unit explores empirical formulae, balanced chemical and ionic equations, gas identification, acid reactions, and pH as a measure of hydrogen ion concentration. It covers separation techniques and focuses on planning experiments, accurate measurements, safety, and communicating findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to investigate the change in pH on adding base to a fixed volume of acid.

Key Notes

  • When powdered hydroxide/oxide (base) is added to an acidic solution there is an increase in pH.
  • pH changes quickly around the neutralisation point.
  • Indicators, such as Universal Indicator paper, can be used to collect quantitative data on pH.
  • pH can be plotted on a graph to find the quantity of base required to neutralise an acid.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • pH: A measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution.
  • neutralisation: A chemical reaction between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution of a metal salt and water.
  • base: A substance that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water.
  • quantitative: Refers to a measurement of quantity. A numerical value.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All added calcium hydroxide dissolves completely, and the pH readings are accurate without consistent mixing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

When powdered hydroxide/oxide (base) is added to an acidic solution there is an increase in pH. pH changes quickly around the neutralisation point.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'pH'

A measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: All added calcium hydroxide dissolves completely, and the pH readings are accurate without consistent mixing. Correction: Calcium hydroxide has low solubility in water, so not all of it dissolves readily. Consistent mixing ensures uniform pH readings. Without proper mixing, pH readings can be inaccurate, leading to incorrect conclusions about the neutralisation point.

More Lessons In This Unit

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