What does cabbage juice have to do with pH?

* What is pH? pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline (basic).

* How cabbage juice works: Cabbage juice contains a pigment called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin changes color depending on the pH of the solution it is in.

* Acidic solutions: In acidic solutions (like lemon juice), anthocyanin turns red.

* Neutral solutions: In neutral solutions (like water), anthocyanin turns purple.

* Alkaline solutions: In alkaline solutions (like baking soda), anthocyanin turns green or blue.

How to use cabbage juice as a pH indicator:

1. Make the juice: Shred red cabbage and boil it in water for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid to get the juice.

2. Test the pH: Add a few drops of cabbage juice to different solutions (e.g., lemon juice, baking soda solution, vinegar, water). Observe the color change to determine the approximate pH.

Important notes:

* Cabbage juice is not a precise pH meter. It provides a general indication of acidity or alkalinity.

* The color changes are more noticeable in clear solutions.

* Cabbage juice can be a fun and educational way to teach children about pH.

In summary: Cabbage juice contains a pigment that reacts to changes in pH, making it a natural pH indicator. This property allows you to visually determine whether a solution is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.