Acids and Bases in the Home
2008
18 minutes
Program Synopsis
The aim of the program is to illustrate the chemical and physical properties of acids and bases. Describing the use
of common acids and bases found in the home gives students a contextual framework from which to develop their
knowledge and understanding.
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Acids and Bases in the Home
Teacher Notes:
Susan Lockwood
B.App.Sc. (Biology), Grad.Dip.Ed. (Science)
Introduction
This program familiarises students with the features of acids and bases, and discusses their physical and chemical
properties. The pH scale is introduced with examples of strong and weak acids and bases and the concept of
neutral substances is explored. The use of indicators to test the pH of acids and bases is explained, as well as
showing the variety of indicators available and their specific uses. Students are shown how to make their own red
cabbage indicator in the kitchen, and examples of acids and bases commonly found in the home are discussed. A
description of neutralisation reactions and their products concludes the program.
Program Rationale
The program directly relates to the content included in Stages 4 and 5 of the syllabus. The aim of the program is to
illustrate the chemical and physical properties of acids and bases. Describing the use of common acids and bases
found in the home gives students a contextual framework from which to develop their knowledge and
understanding.
Program Timeline
00:00:00
00:00:54
00:02:32
00:04:22
00:08:34
00:12:59
00:16:27
00:17:55
Introduction
What are Acids?
What are Bases?
pH and Indicators
Acids and Bases in the Home
Mixing Acids and Bases
Credits
End Program
Useful Resources
Books and Other Print Resources
•
•
Stannard P and Williamson K (2001) Science World 9, 2nd Edition. Macmillan.
Whalley K, Roberson P, Rickard G and Brown I (2004) Science Focus 3. Pearson Longman.
Internet Resources:
•
•
•
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/science/acids/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/collection/vitalny/hscore.sci.chem.react.acids/
http://www.johnkyrk.com/pH.html
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Acids and Bases in the Home
Program Worksheet
Before the Program
1.
Using the internet or library research and complete a short report on acid rain. Find out what it is, how it is
formed and the effect it has had on the environment in the Northern hemisphere.
2.
Using science textbooks and/or chemical labels, compile a list of the five commonly found acids and their
chemical formulae. Compile a similar list for bases.
3.
In small groups, discuss and record any prior knowledge or experience with maintaining the pH of a pool or
fish tank. Present a short report to the class.
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Acids and Bases in the Home
During the Program
1.
What are the names of two common acids?
2.
Why are corrosive substances harmful?
3.
List two physical properties of bases.
4.
Fill in the table below.
Acids
Bases
5.
Draw the pH scale on the line below, showing the regions for acids and bases as well as the neutral position.
6.
What is the feature of indicators which makes them useful when testing for acids and bases?
7.
Litmus added to base turns
.
Litmus added to acid turns
.
8.
Why does the cabbage indicator stay the same colour in water?
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Acids and Bases in the Home
9.
List five acids found in the home.
10. List five bases found in the home.
11. Acid + Base →
+
12. The chemical name for table salt is
13. A neutralisation reaction occurs when:
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Acids and Bases in the Home
After the Program
1.
Make indicators with coloured flower petals and test with acids and bases to assess their suitability as
indicators. (Use similar method as illustrated during program.)
2.
Carry out a neutralisation reaction with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, testing with litmus paper.
Evaporate the solution to obtain sodium chloride.
3.
Word search glossary
•
Acid
•
Base
•
Alkali
•
Salt
•
Indicator
•
Ion
•
Hydroxide
•
Universal
•
Litmus
•
Neutralisation
•
Solution
•
Corrosive
•
Bitter
•
Sour
•
Reaction
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