Why is it wrong to identify an acid or base by taste in the laboratory?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: They may be harmful, and indicators are safer.
The governing principle is laboratory safety: an unknown chemical must never be tasted. Acids and bases may be corrosive, poisonous, contaminated, or dangerous even in small amounts, and taste cannot reliably identify concentration or pH. Indicators, pH paper, or suitable instruments provide safer evidence without direct contact. Therefore A is correct. Taste does not give an exact pH, not all acids or bases are edible, and indicators are specifically useful for testing acidic or basic nature.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
They may be harmful, and indicators are safer.
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing principle is laboratory safety: an unknown chemical must never be tasted. Acids and bases may be corrosive, poisonous, contaminated, or dangerous even in small amounts, and taste cannot reliably identify concentration or pH. Indicators, pH paper, or suitable instruments provide safer evidence without direct contact. Therefore A is correct. Taste does not give an exact pH, not all acids or bases are edible, and indicators are specifically useful for testing acidic or basic nature.
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.
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