A1 Extracting an Indicator
Theory
Acids and Bases are important in chemistry and biology.
Adding them to water changes the so-called pH value of water: adding an acid makes water acidic while adding a base makes water basic.
In this experiment you while extract a dye that is sensitive to the pH value and can determine if a solution is acidic or basic. (extracting meaning to get it out of in this case a leaf).
What do you need?
Water, hot water/oven, pot, wooden spoon, coffee filter, cup, red cabbage (not much, a big leaf will do. If you can't find one, you can even use the one out of the freezer, additional apple will not hinder the experiment).
What do you have to do?
Cut the red cabbage into small stripes or pieces, the smaller the better and put them into a pot with hot/boiling water.
Use a wooden spoon to stir the water.
After about then 10 minutes pour the into a coffee filter put onto a cup. The mash will be filtered out and a coloured solution will remain. Keep this solution because it will be used in future experiments!
The question is: What colour does this solution have?
