The Goldenrod Paper Experiment

In this experiment, the pH indicator liquid used reveals to us a property of all the liquids. A property is something that describes an object. For liquids, scientists use an indicator to tell them about the properties of the liquid. Red tells us the liquid is very acidic. Green tells us the liquid is neutral, and purple tells us the liquid is bitter, also called basic.

We tested six different liquids starting with lemon juice which was very acidic or sour so it turned red. Next was grape juice, which is also acidic, but less than lemon juice which is why it turned orange. The saline solution only had a small amount of sour properties which is why it appeared a lighter yellow. Next, we tested regular water which had no acidic or bitter properties so it appeared as a green color. Then we tested baking soda which is slightly bitter and therefore turned blue. Last, was the diluted ammonia which is very bitter and turned a purple color.