Acids, bases and salts - (CCEA)Indicators from plants

Many chemicals are acidic, neutral or alkaline. We can distinguish one from another using indicators. Acidity and alkalinity are measured on the pH scale.

Part ofCombined ScienceAcids, bases and salts

Indicators from plants

Indicators can be made from plants such as beetroot or red cabbage.

Beetroot slices in water
Image caption,
Beetroot slices added to water

The steps to make an indicator from beetroot are:

  1. Chop or crush the beetroot.
  2. Place the beetroot into a beaker and add water.
  3. Boil the mixture gently to remove the colour from the beetroot.
  4. Allow the solution to cool and filter off the beetroot and discard it.
  5. The (liquid) can now be used as an indicator.