Question

Robert bought a bottle of cleaning agent to clean his kitchen sink. He noticed a warning label on the bottle - ”Use with Caution”. Curious about its nature, he tested the solution using litmus. The red litmus turned blue, while the blue one remained unchanged. Later he learned that bases like sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide are commonly used for cleaning as they can dissolve grease and organic waste. Such substances can be harmful to the skin and eyes if not handled properly.

1. Why is a basic solution used in drain cleaners?
2. What does a change in the colour of litmus indicate?
3. Why was the warning label given on the cleaning agent?
4. How does this example show the practical application of bases in everyday life?

Answer 1

1. Because bases can dissolve grease, oils, fats, and organic waste all of which frequently clog kitchen sinks and drains basic solutions are employed in drain cleaners. These materials are broken down by strong bases like sodium hydroxide, which aids in removing the obstruction.
2. Litmus’s colour changes to show whether a substance is basic or acidic. In this instance, red litmus turned blue, indicating that the cleaning solution is basic or alkaline. The fact that blue litmus has not altered further indicates that it is not acidic.
3. Strong bases included in many cleaning products can be irritating or corrosive, which is why the warning label was placed. If they are touched, splashed, or inhaled, they could cause damage to the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. They should therefore be handled with caution.
4. This illustration demonstrates the useful applications of bases in daily life. Because they aid in the removal of oil and organic filth, basic compounds are utilised in household drain cleansers and cleaning products. It also demonstrates the need for such beneficial chemicals to be handled cautiously and securely.