Asked by j
How does litmus paper identify a base?
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Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
Litmus paper indicates whether a solution is acidic or basic by changing color. In a basic (alkaline) solution the dye in litmus is deprotonated and appears blue; in an acidic solution it is protonated and appears red.
Practical rules:
- Use red litmus paper to test for a base: if it turns blue the solution is basic.
- Blue litmus paper stays blue in a base (but will turn red in an acid).
Notes/limitations:
- Litmus gives a qualitative yes/no for acidic vs basic, not a pH value or strength of the base.
- The color change occurs around the neutral pH region (roughly pH ~5–8), so very weak bases may not produce a clear change.
- Colored solutions, non‑aqueous solvents, or strong oxidizers/reducers can interfere with or destroy the dye.
Practical rules:
- Use red litmus paper to test for a base: if it turns blue the solution is basic.
- Blue litmus paper stays blue in a base (but will turn red in an acid).
Notes/limitations:
- Litmus gives a qualitative yes/no for acidic vs basic, not a pH value or strength of the base.
- The color change occurs around the neutral pH region (roughly pH ~5–8), so very weak bases may not produce a clear change.
- Colored solutions, non‑aqueous solvents, or strong oxidizers/reducers can interfere with or destroy the dye.
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