Question

3. Dorji was provided with four colourless solutions. He was asked to

Answer 1

Answer:

First, we can test Solution 1. We know that Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base. If we test acids on blue litmus paper, they will turn red. If we test bases on red litmus paper, they will turn blue.  So, you can test all the of the solutions- water, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid with blue and red litmus paper. HCl, Hydrochloric acid is an acid, so it will turn blue litmus paper red. It will not turn red litmus blue. The acids will turn blue litmus paper red. The bases will turn red litmus paper blue. Only water is a neutral liquid, which will not turn blue litmus paper red or red litmus paper blue. It will not change the colour of it. Thus, if you test all the solutions with blue and red litmus paper, you will know which solution is water.  Water is the only one which is neutral. It is the only solution which cannot change the colour of any litmus paper. Thus, you can identify it very easily.