Change in pH: practical
I can investigate the change in pH on adding base to a fixed volume of acid.
Change in pH: practical
I can investigate the change in pH on adding base to a fixed volume of acid.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When powdered hydroxide/oxide (base) is added to an acidic solution there is an increase in pH.
- pH changes quickly around the neutralisation point.
- Indicators, such as Universal Indicator paper, can be used to collect quantitative data on pH.
- pH can be plotted on a graph to find the quantity of base required to neutralise an acid.
Keywords
PH - A measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution.
Neutralisation - A chemical reaction between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution of a metal salt and water.
Base - A substance that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water.
Quantitative - Refers to a measurement of quantity. A numerical value.
Common misconception
All added calcium hydroxide dissolves completely, and the pH readings are accurate without consistent mixing.
Calcium hydroxide has low solubility in water, so not all of it dissolves readily. Consistent mixing ensures uniform pH readings. Without proper mixing, pH readings can be inaccurate, leading to incorrect conclusions about the neutralisation point.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Change in pH: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Change in pH: practical, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
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 Making salts unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
UI paper, white tiles, dilute HCl, measuring cylinders, beakers, glass rods, top-pan balance, weighing boats, spatulas, calcium hydroxide powder, graph paper, rulers, UI pH scales.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a measure of hydrogen ion concentration
a reaction between an acid and a base
increases pH when added to an acid
data represented as numerical values
responsible for acidity in a solution