Testing the pH of oxides

In association with

A circular plastic chart with the different possible colours of universal indicator, used for determining the pH of a solution

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Use this class practical to investigate the pH of different metal and non-metal oxides using a universal indicator. Includes kit list and safety instructions.

In this experiment, students test samples of a range of oxides in water with universal indicator solution, observing that their pH varies. They establish the idea that the soluble oxides of metals are alkaline and the oxides of non-metals are acidic.

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