Ideas

Everyday neutralisation myths busted

By 2022-01-26T06:37:00

Three toothpaste tubes have squeezed out question mark shapes

Source: © ADragan/Shutterstock

Give real-world relevance to neutralisation reactions by testing the basicity of toothpastes

Everyday neutralisation is a topic often introduced when teaching acids and bases to give real-world relevance to something that can seem inherently suited to the science classroom. Acid–alkali reactions often take centre stage; however, when it comes to everyday pH adjustments, the acid–insoluble base reaction – or even just dilution – has an important role to play.

Use this article and practical investigating whether different toothpaste brands are insoluble bases or alkaline with your 11–14 learners. An equipment list, method, results table and questions (with answers) are available to download.

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Set up your Teach Chemistry account

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.