Question

Yolanda is performing a neutralization reaction using hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Since both are clear liquids, what could Yolanda do to MOST accurately show when the reaction is complete?
A) add a color indicator

B) taste the solution at various points

C) use litmus paper throughout the reaction

D) perform the reaction with a pH probe attached

Answer 1

I should think that Yolanda should use litmus paper throughout the reaction as its color will tell when the mixture is neutral and therefore then, when she can stop adding either the hydrochloric acid or the sodium hydroxide or if one or the other needs to be added to make the solution approach neutral. Blue litmus paper stays blue in a neutral solution, but will turn red in an acidic solution.