Acid/Base Periodicity

Investigating Periodic Trends

Performance Expectations

  • HS-PS1-1: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
  • HS-PS1-2: Construct and revise an explanation for the outcome of a simple chemical reaction based on the outermost electron states of atoms, trends in the periodic table, and knowledge of the patterns of chemical properties.

Part II: Metal Reactions with Water

Procedure: Metals (Ca, Mg, Al) are added to water containing Universal Indicator (UI). Magnesium and Aluminum tubes can be heated to observe any increase in reactivity.

Element Initial Reaction Color After 5 min After Heating Final Color/pH
Calcium (Ca)
DO NOT HEAT!
Magnesium (Mg)
Aluminum (Al)

Part III: Non-Metal Oxide Solutions

Procedure: A few drops of the acid solution (derived from non-metal oxides) are added to water containing Universal Indicator (UI).

Solution Name Student Formula Observation on Addition Final Color/pH
Sulfur SO₂(OH)₂
Phosphorus PO(OH)₃
Carbon CO(OH)₂

Reference: Universal Indicator Colors

Red
pH ≤ 3
Orange
pH ~ 3-4
Yellow
pH ~ 4-5
Green
pH 7
Blue-Grn
pH 8-9
Violet
pH ≥ 10

Virtual Lab

Live Observation

Ready. Select an element or acid solution and click the button to begin.