Acid-Base Simulation
Stage 6
Chemistry Syllabus: 9.3.3.2.1 describe acids and their solutions with the appropriate use of the terms strong, weak, concentrated and dilute
Students will be able to visualise the molecules in acid and base solutions and be able to better understand the difference between a strong acid and a weak solution in terms of degrees of ionization. This simulation is engaging as it allows students to play with the concentrations and see the changes for themselves immediately and on a microscopic level. Furthermore, the simulation incorporates tools that the student should be familiar with such as the pH probe or indicators.
Link: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/acid-base-solutions/latest/acid-base-solutions_en.html
Activity: Students will have a basic understanding of strong and weak acids. Students will be asked to complete a worksheet with instructions on the simulation.
Begin by clicking on Introduction. Play around by changing the solution, views and tools and familiarise yourself with the simulation.
Stage 6
Chemistry Syllabus: 9.3.3.2.1 describe acids and their solutions with the appropriate use of the terms strong, weak, concentrated and dilute
Students will be able to visualise the molecules in acid and base solutions and be able to better understand the difference between a strong acid and a weak solution in terms of degrees of ionization. This simulation is engaging as it allows students to play with the concentrations and see the changes for themselves immediately and on a microscopic level. Furthermore, the simulation incorporates tools that the student should be familiar with such as the pH probe or indicators.
Link: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/acid-base-solutions/latest/acid-base-solutions_en.html
Activity: Students will have a basic understanding of strong and weak acids. Students will be asked to complete a worksheet with instructions on the simulation.
Begin by clicking on Introduction. Play around by changing the solution, views and tools and familiarise yourself with the simulation.
- Click on water and name the two molecules on the products side.
- What has happened to the water molecules in the solution? Name the chemical process.
- Compare the molecules in the solution when strong acid and weak acid are chosen.
- Compare the molecules in the solution when strong base and weak base are chosen.
- Explain this phenomenon in terms of acid/base dissociation in water.
- Now dip the pH meter into the solution. What is the pH reading of:
- Water
- Strong acid
- Weak acid
- Strong base
- Weak base
- Which has the lower pH, strong or weak acid? Explain.
- Play around with the graphs and observe the variation in dissociated molecules between strong acid/base and weak acid/base.