science projets

[sunofthebeach]

My kid is doing a science project on acid rain.

I want to test the ph of rain water.

normal rain has a ph of 5.6, so I need to test from the 5 to 6 scale.

Is there a way using dilution of a known ph liquid to use my pool test kit? or maybe use a half sample?

[waterbear]

No, you will need a different indicator dye that tests in the pH range you need. Phenol red (used for pool pH testing) has a lower limit of 6.8 and an upper limit of 8.2.

Suitable indicators for the pH range you are looking at would be methyl red, a blended litmus, or a wide range pH paper that can be had from a scientific supply.

[sunofthebeach]

thanks.

I ran out today and found a fish tank ph test kit that tests down to 6.0, so I believe that will work.

[waterbear]

Not if you need to test a range from 5 to 6.