A drop of a solution made turmeric paper reddish-brown. What is the nature of the solution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Basic
Turmeric contains curcumin, which acts as a natural indicator. In an acidic or neutral medium it generally remains yellow, but a basic substance changes it to a reddish-brown colour. Therefore the observed reddish-brown turmeric paper shows that the solution is basic, so option A is correct. The other options do not explain the characteristic colour change produced by an alkaline medium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Basic
Why is this the correct answer?
Turmeric contains curcumin, which acts as a natural indicator. In an acidic or neutral medium it generally remains yellow, but a basic substance changes it to a reddish-brown colour. Therefore the observed reddish-brown turmeric paper shows that the solution is basic, so option A is correct. The other options do not explain the characteristic colour change produced by an alkaline medium.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.