Acids and Bases- Food is Acidic: Cleaners are Basic

Food is Acidic; Cleaners are Basic

Two groups of containers, one with soda, lemon juice and vinegar, the other with Windex, Draino, and Formula 409 surface cleaner.
Two groups of containers, one with soda, lemon juice and vinegar, the other with Windex, Draino, and Formula 409 surface cleaner.
 

Description: pH of household chemicals is measured with either indicators or a pH meter.

Source: Shakhashiri, B.Z. Chemical Demonstrations: A Handbook for Teachers of Chemistry

Year: 1989   Vol: 3   Page: 65

Keywords: Foods, Cleaners, Shampoos, Acids, Bases

Ratings:

Hazard: Medium

  • Acute toxicity hazard
  • Electric shock hazard
  • Skin corrosion hazard
  • Aquatic toxicity
  • Corrosive to metals
  • Inhalation hazard
  • Serious eye damage

Effectiveness: Average

  • Results are observable with guidance
  • Somewhat connected conceptually to course material
  • Mild effects are seen by audience
  • Time to results is high
  • Secondary observations
  • Good reliability

Difficulty: Medium

  • Use of mildly reactive substances
  • Cross-contamination possible
  • Some concerted or timed manipulations
  • Experiments in which a display is used
  • Multi-step procedures

Safety Precautions:

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves required
  • Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet required
  • Absorbent materials on hand
  • Perform in a well-ventilated area
  • Avoid exposure to mists, gases, and droplets
  • Prevent release of reagents to the environment

Class: Acids and Bases

Division: General