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.
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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