What are the tastes of common substances like lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda, and how do we determine if they are acidic or basic?
Understand the Problem
The text details various substances and their tastes, discussing which ones are acidic or basic. It highlights common everyday substances and introduces the concept of indicators that can determine the nature of substances based on their taste and reactions.
Answer
Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic (sour). Baking soda is basic (bitter).
Lemon juice and vinegar taste sour because they are acidic. Baking soda tastes bitter as it's basic.
Answer for screen readers
Lemon juice and vinegar taste sour because they are acidic. Baking soda tastes bitter as it's basic.
More Information
Substances like lemon juice and vinegar taste sour—a characteristic of acids, while baking soda's bitter taste is typical of bases. Indicators, such as litmus paper, can be used for more accurate testing of pH levels.
Tips
Avoid assuming that all sour-tasting solutions are safe to ingest; some can be harmful. Use indicators for a safe acid-base test.
Sources
- Acids and Bases - Siyavula - siyavula.com
- Science on the Shelves - The Acid Test - york.ac.uk
- pH Scale: Acids and Bases - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
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