Q&A for How to Read pH Strips

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  • Question
    How do you read a pH indicator strip?
    Chris Hasegawa, PhD
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Dr. Chris Hasegawa was a Science Professor and the Dean at California State University Monterey Bay. Dr. Hasegawa specializes in teaching complex scientific concepts to students. He holds a BS in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Education, and his teaching credential from The University of California, Davis. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Oregon. Before becoming a professor, Dr. Hasegawa conducted biochemical research in Neuropharmacology at the National Institute of Health. He also taught physical and life sciences and served as a teacher and administrator at public schools in California, Oregon, and Arizona.
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Expert Answer
    Take a good look at the color of your strip. Then, compare it to the color guide on the box that your strip came in.
  • Question
    My pH test is 5, how can I improve my test result to 7?
    KnowledgeIsForever
    Community Answer
    A pH of 5 indicates your solution is acid and a pH of 7 means neutral. Therefore, you have to add a base. In the lab, you can do it with a sodium hydroxide solution - but be careful and always check your new pH with som more stripes or a pH meter! Keep in mind that this method is only appropriate for the lab and not aquariums (or any other systems).
  • Question
    What is the normal pH of the stomach?
    Han
    Community Answer
    Gastric acid has a normal pH between 1.5 and 3.5; about as acidic as undiluted lemon juice.
  • Question
    What do the colors on the pH strips mean?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    The colors on the pH strips tell you what the pH level is in the sample that was tested. Your testing kit should have a color chart. Hold up the color of the pH strip to the color on the chart to compare it and find out what the pH level of the substance you tested is. Usually, acids are represented by warm colors, such as red and orange, while alkalines are associated with cooler colors, like blue and green.
  • Question
    How do pH strips work?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Reactive chemicals on the paper pH strips react to the acidity or the alkalinity in the substance that you test. The paper is soaked in chemicals that turn different colors depending on how they react to the substance that you test. They're a simple way to identify the pH level of a given substance, but they're not as accurate as digital tests.
  • Question
    What is the pH of water?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Pure distilled water has a neutral pH level of 7. However, drinking water has a pH range that can fluctuate. The normal pH range of water can range from 6.5 to 8.5, and groundwater found in wells can range between 6 and 8.5, depending on the minerals in the water and where it's located.
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