Something happened during our Science practical lesson last week. When it was time for our lesson, we made our way to the Science Lab located on the 5th floor. Once we reached the Science Lab, we queued in two rows outside the Lab and waited for the teacher to check that everyone was present before entering the Lab.
That day, the experiments involved Acids and Alkalis. Our teacher gave us a few solutions and instructed us to test if they were acidic, alkaline or neutral using blue and red litmus papers as well as Universal Indicator. She reminded us of the safety precautions and told us to start work in pairs.
One of the experiments required us to pour a little aqueous sodium hydroxide, an alkali on to our fingers and describe how it felt to our touch and dip litmus papers into the solution as well. My .partner was a little nervous about it so I volunteered to try the solution on my fingers while he tested the effect of the solution on litmus papers. I was very surprised that the solution felt very soapy and slippery, like wet soap and yet there were no bubbles or lather like soap. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is amazing. It looks just like water, a colourless liquid and yet has different properties. Water does not affect the colour of litmus papers but aqueous sodium hydroxide turned the red litmus paper blue. As I was curiously rubbing my fingers together enjoying the soapy feel, I felt a painful sting. I had forgotten that the safety precautions! Our teacher had warned us that the solution is corrosive and could give a burning or painful sensation on our skin. I quickly rinsed my hands under running tap water. It took a very long time before the soapy feel was removed.
It was an interesting science lesson indeed observing the effects of indicators on various solutions. I will never forget the properties of aqueous sodium hydroxide and the other solutions after the experential lesson.
That day, the experiments involved Acids and Alkalis. Our teacher gave us a few solutions and instructed us to test if they were acidic, alkaline or neutral using blue and red litmus papers as well as Universal Indicator. She reminded us of the safety precautions and told us to start work in pairs.
One of the experiments required us to pour a little aqueous sodium hydroxide, an alkali on to our fingers and describe how it felt to our touch and dip litmus papers into the solution as well. My .partner was a little nervous about it so I volunteered to try the solution on my fingers while he tested the effect of the solution on litmus papers. I was very surprised that the solution felt very soapy and slippery, like wet soap and yet there were no bubbles or lather like soap. Aqueous sodium hydroxide is amazing. It looks just like water, a colourless liquid and yet has different properties. Water does not affect the colour of litmus papers but aqueous sodium hydroxide turned the red litmus paper blue. As I was curiously rubbing my fingers together enjoying the soapy feel, I felt a painful sting. I had forgotten that the safety precautions! Our teacher had warned us that the solution is corrosive and could give a burning or painful sensation on our skin. I quickly rinsed my hands under running tap water. It took a very long time before the soapy feel was removed.
It was an interesting science lesson indeed observing the effects of indicators on various solutions. I will never forget the properties of aqueous sodium hydroxide and the other solutions after the experential lesson.
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