The three test tubes contain distilled water, acidic solution, and the basic solution respectively. There is only red litmus paper available in order to identify what is there in each test tube. How will you find out what is in each of the test tubes?

Answer:

Using red litmus paper, we can determine what is in each of the test tubes. This can be done by observing the color change in red litmus paper.

1. The three solutions in the test tubes are poured separately onto litmus paper.
2. A basic solution is included in the solution that makes red litmus blue.
3. Split the blue litmus paper into two sections.
4. The acidic solution is the solution from the test tube that turns blue litmus paper red.
5. Water is present in the test tube solution that does not change the colour of the red or blue litmus paper.

NOTE: Distilled water has a pH of 7 after instant distillation. However, it collects carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and becomes mildly acidic with a pH of 5.8 just a few hours after distillation.