Question

Is the distilled water acidic/basic/neutral? How would you verify it?

Answer 1

Litmus paper:

• Litmus paper is a paper that has a particular mixture of dyes absorbed in it.
• Litmus paper is used as an indicator of the pH of the solution because it will change colour depending upon the nature of the solution.
• Litmus paper turns blue in colour when dipped in a basic solution and turns red when dipped in an acidic solution.
• The Hydroxide ions or protons react with the dye present in the litmus paper in the aqueous medium to give a different dye which shows the colour change.
• Hence, the presence of water is necessary as a solvent in order to let litmus paperwork, If there is no water or aqueous medium, then the litmus paper won't work.

Distiller water:

• Distilled water is a pure form of water that does not contain any ions, which means deionized water.
• It contains Hydrogen and Oxygen atoms.
• Distilled water has a neutral pH, which means it is neither acidic nor basic.
• By using blue and red litmus paper, the neutral nature of distilled water can be confirmed.
• Since the distilled water is neutral, it won't have any effect on the colour of the litmus paper, whether it is blue or red