Water sample analysis: pH
I can the describe how to test the pH of different water samples and suggest why they may differ in terms of dissolved substances.
Water sample analysis: pH
I can the describe how to test the pH of different water samples and suggest why they may differ in terms of dissolved substances.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The pH of water samples can be determined using appropriate methods and/or instruments e.g pH meter.
- pH data can be analysed to assess if water contains impurities.
- Different substances dissolve in different types of water.
- The substances that dissolve in different waters can affect the water's acidity or alkalinity (i.e. its pH).
- Pure water is necessary for laboratory tests; it must be neutral (i.e. pH 7).
Keywords
Sample - A smaller portion of a larger quantity of a substance.
Dissolve - When a substance's particles separate and spread throughout the particles of a solvent resulting in it no longer being seen.
PH - A number that shows the alkalinity or acidity of a solution.
Common misconception
All water samples are neutral (i.e. pH of 7).
The acidity / alkalinity of water samples is affected by the dissolved substances in each sample.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Water sample analysis: pH, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Water sample analysis: pH, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Separating substances unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Samples of 'pure', 'sea', 'rain' and 'ground' water; dropping pipettes; universal indicator paper and reference chart.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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