Hooked on Science: Color changing strawberry jam

Test acidity and basicity with strawberry jam.

Materials

* Strawberry jam

* Vinegar

* Ammonia

* Hot water

* Clear plastic cup

Instructions

STEP 1: Fill the clear plastic cup three-fourths of the way with hot water

STEP 2: Add three tablespoons of strawberry jam to the hot water and mix.

STEP 3: Add two teaspoons of ammonia to the clear plastic cup, mix and observe.

STEP 4: Add three teaspoons of vinegar to the clear plastic cup, mix, and observe.

Explanation

The strawberry jam is a pH indicator, which is a substance that indicates the degree of acidity or basicity through a color change. When the ammonia is added, the color changes to blue or purple, which indicates the ammonia is a base. When the vinegar is added, the color changes to red, which indicates the vinegar is an acid.

Jason Lindsey is a science outreach educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science.