To solve this worksheet, we need to place each item on the pH scale based on how acidic or basic it is.
How the pH Scale Works:
*
0 to 6.9 (Acidic): These are usually sour things like fruits or strong chemicals like battery acid. The lower the number, the stronger the acid. On your chart, these are the red, orange, and yellow bars at the top.
*
7 (Neutral): This is right in the middle. Pure water is neutral. It is neither an acid nor a base. On your chart, this is the green bar in the center.
*
7.1 to 14 (Basic/Alkaline): These are often soapy, bitter, or cleaning products. The higher the number, the stronger the base. On your chart, these are the blue and purple bars at the bottom.
Step-by-Step Placement:
1.
Gastric Acid / Stomach Acid: This is extremely strong acid found in your stomach to digest food. It goes at the very top.
(pH ~1)
2.
Battery Acid: This is also extremely strong and dangerous. It goes near the very top.
(pH ~1)
3.
Lemon: Lemons are very sour citrus fruits. They are strong acids but not as strong as battery acid.
(pH ~2)
4.
Soda: Soft drinks contain carbonic acid and phosphoric acid. They are quite acidic.
(pH ~2.5 - 3)
5.
Vinegar: (Note: Vinegar isn't pictured, but usually fits here). Let's look at
Tomato. Tomatoes are acidic fruits.
(pH ~4)
6.
Coffee: Coffee is slightly acidic.
(pH ~5)
7.
Milk: Milk is very close to neutral but is technically slightly acidic.
(pH ~6.5)
8.
Blood: Human blood is very carefully balanced to be almost neutral, just slightly basic.
(pH ~7.4)
9.
Water: Pure water is the definition of neutral. It goes exactly in the middle.
(pH 7)
10.
Stomach Tablets: These are antacids designed to neutralize stomach acid, so they are basic.
(pH ~8 - 9)
11.
Baking Soda: This is a common weak base used in baking and cleaning.
(pH ~9)
12.
Soap: Hand soap is basic (alkaline) to help clean oils.
(pH ~10)
13.
Ammonia: Household ammonia is a stronger base used for cleaning.
(pH ~11)
14.
Bleach: Bleach is a very strong base used for disinfecting.
(pH ~12 - 13)
15.
Drain Cleaner: This is one of the strongest household bases because it has to eat through clogs. It goes at the very bottom.
(pH ~14)
Labeling the Scale Sections:
*
Top Section (Red/Yellow): Label this
ACIDIC.
*
Middle Section (Green): Label this
NEUTRAL.
*
Bottom Section (Blue/Purple): Label this
BASIC.
Final Answer:
Here is the correct order from top (most acidic) to bottom (most basic):
ACIDIC (Top of the scale)
1.
Gastric Acid (or Stomach Acid)
2.
Battery (Battery Acid)
3.
Lemon
4.
Soda
5.
Tomato
6.
Coffee
7.
Milk
NEUTRAL (Middle of the scale)
8.
Water (This is exactly in the middle)
*(Note: Blood is often placed here or just below, as it is pH 7.4)*
9.
Blood
BASIC (Bottom of the scale)
10.
Stomach Tablets
11.
Baking Soda
12.
Soap
13.
Ammonia
14.
Bleach
15.
Drain Cleaner
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of acid and base worksheet.
