Q&A for How to Read pH Strips

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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.

Chris Hasegawa, PhD

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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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