2.
Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral
Let’s Rewind
2.1 Nature — Our Science Laboratory
Substances around us can be classified as acids, bases, or neutral substances, based
on their chemical properties.
To identify whether a substance is acidic or basic, we use special substances called
indicators. These are substances that change their colour when added to acidic or
basic solutions.
Some common indicators include litmus, turmeric, china rose extract, and
phenolphthalein.
Litmus is a natural indicator that changes colour based on the substance's nature—
acidic or basic.
Blue litmus turns red in acids; red litmus turns blue in [Link] substances turn
blue litmus paper to red; whereas, basic substances turn red litmus paper to blue.
Neutral substances do not affect the colour of litmus paper.
Some common acidic substances found at home include lemon juice, vinegar, and
orange juice. Some common basic substances include soap solution, lime water, and
baking soda solution. Examples Some examples of neutral substances are pure
water, sugar solution, and salt solution.
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), citric acid, tartaric acid, and oxalic acid are common acids
present in edible substances.
Substances can also be tested using natural indicators like red rose extract and
turmeric.
Red rose extract turns seems to give red colour in acids acidic solutions and green in
basesbasic solutions.
Hydrangea is a flower found in cooler regions like the Himalayas Himalayan region
and the North-Eastern states of India. In acidic soil, Hydrangea flowers turn blue. In
basic (alkaline) soil, the flowers become pink or red.
Turmeric paper turns red in bases but does not change in acids or neutral
substances.
Some substances act as olfactory indicators, changing odour in acidic or basic
conditions.
Acids are sour in taste, bases are bitter and slippery.
Common indicators help in classifying substances around us for safety and usage.
Let’s Revise
Lichen Association of two living organisms, a fungus and an alga.
Litmus A natural indicator extracted from lichens, used to test acidic or
basic nature.
Indicator A substance that changes colour in acidic or basic solutions.
Acidic Substance A substance that turns blue litmus red and tastes sour.
Basic Substance A substance that turns red litmus blue and feels slippery.
Neutral Substance A substance that does not change the colour of litmus paper.
Turmeric Paper A natural indicator that turns red in basic substances.
Olfactory Indicator A substance whose smell changes in an acidic or basic
environment.
Know More
Many plants and flowers like beetroot, purple cabbage, jamun (Indian blackberry), and red
hibiscus can act as natural acid-base indicators. Beetroot turns red in acid and purple in
base. Purple cabbage turns reddish in acid and greenish in base. Jamun juice turns pink in
acid and green or blue in base. Red hibiscus turns red in acid and greenish or purplish in
base.
Let’s Begin
WORKSHEET 1.1
A. Tick (✓) the correct answer. (1 mark each)
1. Which of the following turns red litmus blue?
a) Lemon juice
b) Vinegar
c) Soap solution
d) Amla juice
2. A solution turns the red litmus paper to blue. Excess addition of which of the following
solution would reverse the change? (NCERT Textbook)
a) Lime water
b) Baking soda
c) Vinegar
d) Common salt solution
3. Which of these is not a natural indicator?
a) Litmus
b) Methyl orange
c) Turmeric
d) Red cabbage
4. An example of an olfactory indicator is ______________.
a) onion
b) vinegar
c) litmus
d) turmeric
5. Given below are the steps to test the nature of substances using litmus paper in a random
order.
i. Place the blue litmus paper pieces on a clean, dry white tile.
ii. Observe and record the colour change in blue litmus paper.
iii. Using a dropper, add one drop of each sample onto the blue litmus pieces.
iv. Collect samples like lemon juice, soap solution, amla juice, vinegar, etc.
v. Repeat the steps with red litmus paper and record your observations.
Rearrange the steps in the correct order and choose the correct option.
a) ii., i., v., iv., iii.
b) iv., i., iii., ii., v.
c) i., iv., iii., v., ii.
d) iv., iii., i., ii., v.
B. Fill in the blanks. (1 mark each)
1. Litmus is obtained from ________.
2. ________ substances are bitter and slippery to touch.
3. Turmeric paper turns ________ when exposed to bases.
4. Lemon contains ________ acid.
5. Soap solution is ________ in nature.
C. Write T for True and F for False. (1 mark each)
1. Tap water is a neutral substance.
2. All bitter-tasting substances are basic.
3. Turmeric can be used to test acids.
4. Salt solution is used as natural indicator.
5. Tamarind water turns the blue litmus red.
E. Very Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
1. What does red litmus indicate when it turns blue?
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2. How can natural indicators be prepared? Explain by giving an example.
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3. What happens when you drop vinegar on blue litmus paper?
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4. Manya is blindfolded. She is given two unknown solutions to test and determine whether
they are acidic or basic. Which indicator should Manya use to test the solutions and why?
(NCERT Textbook)
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5. A liquid sample from the laboratory was tested using various indicators:
Indicator Red litmus Blue litmus Turmeric
Change No change Turned red No change in colour
Based on the tests, identify the acidic or basic nature of the liquid and justify your answer.
(NCERT Textbook)
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F. Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)
1. What is the role of litmus paper in testing substances, and how does it work?
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2. How can lime water be prepared, and what is its nature – acidic, basic or neutral?
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If you test five substances and two are acidic, two are basic, and one is neutral, represent
the data in a pie chart.
| Subject Connect: Mathematics
3. Three liquids are given to you. One is vinegar, another is a baking soda solution, and the
third is a sugar solution. Can you identify them only using turmeric paper? Explain.
(NCERT Textbook)
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4. Why are substances like tap water and sugar solution considered neutral?
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Neutral substances are neither acidic nor basic. Just like these substances, some people stay
calm and balanced even in difficult situations. Why is it important to stay neutral or calm
during conflicts or arguments? What strategies can help someone remain composed?
| SEL: Self-management
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G. Long answer questions (5 marks each)
1. Explain the process of preparing red rose extract and how it can be used as a natural
indicator. What conclusions can be drawn from its colour changes?
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2. What safety precautions must be taken while tasting or handling substances during
science experiments? Why are these precautions important?
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3. Compare and contrast the three groups of substances based on their effect on litmus
paper.
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Think and Answer (2 Marks)
If litmus papers are unavailable, how would you check the nature of lemon juice?
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Let’s Rewind
2.2 What Happens When Acidic Substances Mix with Basic Substances?; 2.3 Neutralisation
in Daily Life
When an acid mixes with a base in proper amounts, a neutral substance is formed.
The reaction between an acid and a base is called a neutralisation reaction.
In a neutralisation reaction, salt and water are formed along with heat.
Neutralisation is useful in everyday life to reduce the harmful effects of acids and
bases.
Ant bites inject formic acid. Applying baking soda (a base) neutralises it.
Acidic soil affects plant growth. Adding lime (a base) neutralises the soil.
Basic soil is treated with organic matter, which releases acids to neutralise it.
Industrial waste is sometimes acidic and harmful to aquatic life.
To prevent harm, factory waste should be neutralised with bases before disposal.
Let’s Revise
Neutralisation Reaction: A chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base to
form salt, water, and heat.
Formic Acid: The acid injected by ants during a bite.
Lime Water: A basic solution used to neutralise acids.
Organic Matter: Natural substances like manure that release acids to correct basic
soil.
Salt: A product formed in a neutralisation reaction along with water and heat.
Let’s Begin
Worksheet 2.2
A. Tick (✓) the correct answer. (1 mark each)
1. Which of the following is true about a neutralisation reaction?
(a) Only salt is formed
(b) Water and gas are formed
(c) Salt, water, and heat are formed
(d) Only heat is released
2. What changes red litmus back to blue in the experiment?
(a) Lemon juice
(b) Turmeric
(c) Lime water
(d) Baking soda
3. A substance that neutralises formic acid in an ant bite is—
(a) Soap
(b) Vinegar
(c) Baking soda
(d) Salt
4. The reason behind poor plant growth in acidic soil is—
(a) Too much sunlight
(b) Excessive water
(c) Lack of organic matter
(d) Use of chemical fertilisers
5. What is formed when an acid and a base react?
(a) Only water
(b) Salt and water
(c) Oxygen and water
(d) Acid and base mixture
6. If fish are dying due to acidic lake water, what should be added?
(a) Acid
(b) Base
(c) More water
(d) Salt
B. Fill in the blanks. (1 mark each)
1. ________ is injected during an ant bite.
2. Lime water is a ________ used to neutralise acids.
3. ________ matter is added to basic soil to neutralise it.
4. A ________ indicator changes colour in acidic and basic conditions.
5. The plants do not grow well in ______________ soil.
C. Write T for True and F for False. (1 mark each)
1. Neutralisation reactions are endothermic. F
2. Organic matter increases the acidity of soil. T
3. Salt is formed when a base reacts with another base. F
4. Industrial waste must be neutralised before disposal. T
5. Litmus is an artificial indicator. F
6. Baking soda is acidic in nature. F
D. Observe and analyse the information given in the following flowchart. Complete the
missing information. (1 mark each)
(NCERT Textbook)
E. Very Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
1. Why is organic matter added to basic soil, and how does it help the plants?
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2. Why is a metal key sometimes rubbed on an ant sting?
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3. Two neighbouring farms use the same seeds and get different crop yields. One farmer
adds lime water to the soil and sees better growth. What might be the underlying cause for
this difference?
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4. Why is factory waste neutralised before releasing into water bodies?
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A factory near a lake releases acidic chemical waste, causing the water to become harmful
and leading to the death of fish. What substance can be added to the lake to neutralise the
acidity and make the water safe for aquatic life?
| SDG Connect: LIFE BELOW WATER
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F. Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)
1. Explain why moist baking soda relieves pain from an ant bite.
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2. A farmer complains of poor growth in plants. What can be the cause and solution?
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3. Why is neutralisation considered an exothermic reaction?
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4. Neha spilled lemon juice on the kitchen countertop made of marble (a base). What kind
of chemical reaction is likely taking place, and what could be the effect over time?
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5. Grape juice was mixed with red rose extract; the mixture got a tint of red colour. What
will happen if baking soda is added to this mixture? Justify your answer.
(NCERT Textbook)
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Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)
1. Describe the neutralisation reaction with an example and a word equation.
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2. During digestion, excess acid in the stomach can cause indigestion. Which type of
medicine would help relieve this condition, and how does it work?
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2. Explain what will happen if too much base is added to acidic soil. Will the soil become
healthy for plants? Justify your answer with reasons.
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Think and Answer (2 marks each)
Keerthi wrote a secret message to her grandmother on her birthday using orange juice. Can
you assist her grandmother in revealing the message? Which indicator would you use to
make it visible?
(NCERT Textbook)
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Assertion-Reason Questions
(1 mark each)
Directions: Given here are two statements—one labelled Assertion (A) and the other
labelled Reason (R). Select the appropriate option given below:
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true and R is not the correct explanation of A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.
1. Assertion (A): Vinegar turns blue litmus red.
Reason (R ) : Vinegar is a basic substance.
2. Assertion (A): Baking soda is basic in nature.
Reason (R ): Baking soda turns red litmus blue and feels slippery.
3. Assertion (A): Neutralisation reactions produce salt and water.
Reason (R): When an acid reacts with a base, the hydrogen ions from the acid
combine with hydroxide ions from the base.
4. Assertion (A): Baking soda is applied to an ant bite to relieve pain.
Reason (R): The acid injected by the ant is neutralised by the base present in the
baking soda.
CASE-based questions
Read the information below and answer the following questions. (4 marks)
During Diwali cleaning, Raj found a box labelled “DO NOT TOUCH—CORROSIVE” in his
garage. Curious, Raj requested his elder brother to help him test the substance using
turmeric paper. To his surprise, the turmeric paper turned red after contact with the
substance.
1. What does the turmeric paper turning red indicate about the substance?
a) The substance is acidic
b) The substance is basic (alkaline)
c) The substance is neutral
d) The substance is water
2. What chemical property does the turmeric paper test reveal about the substance?
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3. Explain what the label "CORROSIVE" means and why it is important to be careful around
such substances.
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OR
If the substance were to spill on the skin, what immediate first aid steps should Raj follow?
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Enrichment Activities
(4 marks)
1. Create rangoli using acidic or basic substances and natural indicators. (NCERT Textbook)
2. Collect a soil sample of your area and find out whether it is acidic, basic, or neutral in
nature. (NCERT Textbook)
| Learning and Literacy skills Critical thinking; Information
Good to Know
India is the world’s largest producer of turmeric, also known as the “Golden Spice”. Used in
cooking, medicine, and rituals, it holds both scientific and cultural significance across the
country.
SCIENCE FUN (5 marks)
Observe the following images showing colour changes in natural indicators. Answer the
questions based on your understanding.
[Image Description: Three test tubes – A: red rose extract + lemon juice (red), B: red rose
extract + soap solution (green), C: red rose extract + tap water (no change)]
1. Identify the nature of the solution in each test tube.
2. Which test tube represents a neutral substance?
3. Suggest another indicator that could give a similar result for the basic solution in test
tube B.
REFLECTION TIME
REVISION WORKSHEET
A. Tick (✓) the correct answer. (1 mark each)
1. Which natural substance is best suited to make paper strips that can indicate a basic
solution?
(a) Vinegar (b) Turmeric (c) Salt solution (d) Grape juice
2. You are provided with three unknown solutions labelled A, B, and C, but you do not
know which of these are acidic, basic, or neutral. Upon adding a few drops of red
litmus solution to solution A, it turns blue. When a few drops of turmeric solution are
added to solution B, it turns red. Finally, after adding a few drops of red rose extract
to solution C, it turns green. Based on the observations, which of the following is the
correct sequence for the nature of solutions A, B, and C?
(a) Acidic, acidic, and acidic
(b) Neutral, basic, and basic
(c) Basic, basic, and acidic
(d) Basic, basic, and basic (NCERT Textbook)
3. A gardener wants to make hydrangea flowers turn blue. What should he do?
(a) Add sugar to the soil
(b) Make the soil acidic
(c) Increase water supply
(d) Add baking soda
4. Which method would be most reliable to identify an unknown basic solution?
(a) Taste test
(b) Odour test
(c) Litmus paper test
(d) Touch test
5. What makes baking soda a suitable remedy for an ant bite?
(a) It is cold
(b) It is acidic
(c) It is basic and neutralises acid
(d) It smells pleasant
B. Match Column A with Column B:
Column A Column B
1. Turmeric paper (a) Bitter and slippery to touch
2. Vinegar (b) Turns red in acid, green in base
3. Basic substances (c) Natural indicator from a flower
(d) Changes to red in a basic
4. Red rose extract
solution
5. Citric acid (e) Found in lemon and tamarind
C. Write T for True and F for False. (1 mark each)
1. Acidic solutions feel slippery to the touch.
2. Turmeric paper does not show any change with acids.
3. Neutralisation reactions always produce gas.
4. Lemon juice and amla juice are basic in nature.
5. Litmus paper is a synthetic indicator.
D. Very Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
1. Name any two substances that are neutral in nature.
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2. What is observed when vinegar is added to marble pieces?
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3. What substance is used to treat soil that has become too acidic?
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4. Why should we not taste unknown substances to identify their nature?
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E. Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)
1. What changes would you observe when red litmus paper is dipped into lemon juice, soap
solution, and tap water?
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2. What precautions should be taken while preparing natural indicators at home or in school
labs?
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3. Observe and analyse Figs. 2.13, 2.14, and 2.15, in which red rose extract paper strips are
used. Label the nature of solutions present in each of the containers.
(NCERT Textbook)
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4. How can olfactory indicators help identify acids and bases? Give one example of such an
indicator and explain the observation.
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5. What is the effect of acidic and basic substances on plant growth? How can farmers
manage soil pH to improve crop yield?
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F. Long Answer Type Questions (5 marks each)
1. Describe the process and observations involved in preparing and using turmeric paper as
a natural indicator.
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2. How can you test whether a solution is acidic, basic, or neutral using red and blue litmus
paper? Provide a step-by-step explanation.
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3. Discuss the role of olfactory indicators. Describe an experiment involving an onion to
explain how its odour changes in acidic and basic media.
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4. The extract of red rose turns the liquid X to green. What will the nature of liquid X be?
What will happen when the excess of amla juice is added to liquid X? (NCERT
Textbook)
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