Activity Sheet for Acids and Alkalis

1. Acids
Look at the different solutions displayed on the table and record their colour in the table
below.
Solution
s
1
2
3
4

Name

Colour

Formula

Hyrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid
Nitric acid
Ethanoic acid

Conclusion:
Acids are . liquid.

2. Test for acids using indicators. Record the colour of the indicators.
Indicators

Methyl orange

Phenolphthalein

Litmus paper

Solutions
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid
Ethanoic acid
Lemon juice
Orange juice

3. Alkalis
Alkalis are soluble bases.

Copper (II) oxide is added into a test tube containing water.

Does it dissolve in water?
..........................................................................................................................................
Is this an alkali?
.........................................................................................................................................

Sodium hydroxide pellets are added in a test tube containing water.

Do they dissolve in water?
.........................................................................................................................................
Is sodium hydroxide an alkali?
..........................................................................................................................................

Look at the different solutions displayed on the table and record their colour in the table
below.
Solutions
1
2
3

Name

Colour

Formula

Sodium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
Ammonia solution

Alkalis are ....................................... liquid.

4. Test for alkalis using indicators. Record the colour of the indicators.
Indicators

Methyl orange

Phenolphthalein

Litmus paper

Methyl orange

Phenolphthalein

Litmus paper

Solutions
Sodium hydroxide
Ammonia

5. pH of solutions
Solutions
Hydrochloric acid
Sulfuric acid
Ethanoic acid
Lemon juice
Orange juice

Universal
Indicator

Soft drink
Water

Ammonia solution
Soap

Sodium hydroxide

Reactions of acids
1. Metals + dilute acid
Acids
Hydrochloric Acid
Sulfuric Acid
Nitric Acid

Salt + hydrogen gas

Salt formed
Chloride
Sulfate
Nitrate

Examples
Sodium chloride
Calcium sulfate
Zinc nitrate

A piece of magnesium is added into a test tube containing 2cm3 of hydrochloric acid.
Observations:
1....................................................................................................................................................
2....................................................................................................................................................
Test for hydrogen gas
A burning splint is applied.
Observation: ................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................
Equation for the reaction:
.....................................................................................................................................................

2. Metal Carbonate + dilute Acid

salt + carbon dioxide + water

Some copper (II) carbonate was added into a test tube containing 2cm 3 of
hydrochloric acid.
What is the colour of copper(II) carbonate?
..........................................................................................................................................
Observations:
1........................................................................................................................................
2........................................................................................................................................

Test for carbon dioxide gas

The gas is bubbled into lime water
Observation: ....................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
......................
Equation for the reaction:
......................................................................................................................................................

3. Alkali/Base + dilute acid

salt + water

5 cm3 of hydrochloric acid is added into a boiling tube.

1-2 drops of universal indicator is added to the boiling tube.
Sodium hydroxide solution is the added to the boiling tube using a dropper.
Observe the colour changes on addition of the sodium hydroxide solution.
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
Equation for the reaction:
......................................................................................................................................................