A student dipped blue litmus paper into a colourless solution, and it turned red. Which conclusion about the solution is correct?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The solution is acidic
Blue litmus turning red is the characteristic indicator response of an acidic solution. Acids provide hydrogen ions in water, which cause this colour change. A basic solution generally turns red litmus blue, while a neutral solution produces no litmus change. The observation does not prove that the liquid contains only salt, because salts may be acidic, basic, or neutral. Thus option A is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The solution is acidic
Why is this the correct answer?
Blue litmus turning red is the characteristic indicator response of an acidic solution. Acids provide hydrogen ions in water, which cause this colour change. A basic solution generally turns red litmus blue, while a neutral solution produces no litmus change. The observation does not prove that the liquid contains only salt, because salts may be acidic, basic, or neutral. Thus option A is correct.
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.