A student prepared solutions of (i) an acid and (ii) a base in two separate beakers. She forgot to label the solutions and litmus paper is not available in the laboratory. Since both the solutions are colourless, how will she distinguish between the two?
Answer:
In the absence of litmus, any other indicator like methyl orange, phenolphthalein, etc., can be used. Otherwise a natural indicator like turmeric can also be used. Methyl orange has the property to colour alkaline and neutral water yellow. If the water becomes acidic, it turns red immediately.