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Home » Science Experiments for Kids » Using red cabbage indictor to test pH

Using red cabbage indictor to test pH

Modified: Jul 18, 2022 · Published: Apr 1, 2022 by Emma Vanstone · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

If you’re thinking of trying a science activity at home for the first time, or are a more seasoned kitchen scientist, red cabbage indicator is perfect! The humble red cabbage is great for making colour changing potions, testing the pH of different things around the kitchen and generally a great introduction to science at home, chemical reactions and acids and alkalis!

red cabbage indicator test using red cabbage indicator, water, vinegar and baking soda

Using red cabbage indicator to test pH

You’ll need

3 transparent containers

Water

White vinegar

Baking soda ( bicarbonate of soda )

Jug

Sieve

Red Cabbage

Stove

Spoon

Instructions

Make red cabbage indicator by boiling a handful of chopped red cabbage in water for about 5 minutes and leave to cool.

Drain the mixture keeping the purple liquid. This is the indicator!

Pour the same amount of water into each container.

Add a tablespoon of vinegar to one container and a tablespoon of baking soda to another container. Mix well.

Don’t add anything to the third container.

Pour a little red cabbage indicator into each container and watch as the liquid changes colour!

You should get something a little like this!

red cabbage indicator and water, indicator and white vinegar and indicator and baking soda in  containers. The indicator is blue in water, green with baking soda and pink with vinegar

Experiment with different concentrations of vinegar and baking soda to create different shades of green and pink.

Red cabbage contains flavin ( an anthocyanin) . Flavin is a natural pH indicator which changes colour depending on the pH of the solution.

red cabbage indicator colours on a pH scale.

Don’t forget to try my other red cabbage experiments too!

Last Updated on July 18, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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