Color of Litmus in a Solution of Sodium Carbonate

The color of litmus in a solution of sodium carbonate can be determined by understanding the properties and behavior of both litmus and sodium carbonate. Litmus is a natural dye extracted from certain lichens and is commonly used as an indicator in chemistry experiments to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Sodium carbonate, on the other hand, is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water, commonly known as soda ash or washing soda.

Properties of Litmus
1. Litmus is a pH indicator that changes color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the solution it is in.
2. In an acidic solution, litmus turns red.
3. In a basic or alkaline solution, litmus turns blue.
4. Litmus is commonly used as a universal indicator due to its ability to distinguish between acidic and basic solutions.

Properties of Sodium Carbonate
1. Sodium carbonate is an alkaline compound, meaning it has a high pH.
2. It dissociates in water to form sodium ions (Na+) and carbonate ions (CO3^2-).
3. Sodium carbonate is commonly used in various applications such as water treatment, glass manufacturing, and as a cleaning agent.

Color of Litmus in a Solution of Sodium Carbonate
Based on the properties of litmus and sodium carbonate, we can determine the likely color of litmus in a solution of sodium carbonate.

Since sodium carbonate is an alkaline compound, it will raise the pH of the solution. Litmus, being a pH indicator, will respond to this change in pH by turning blue. Therefore, in a solution of sodium carbonate, litmus will likely turn blue.

The blue color of litmus indicates that the solution is basic or alkaline. This is because the carbonate ions in sodium carbonate can accept protons (H+) from water, resulting in the formation of hydroxide ions (OH-), which contribute to the alkalinity of the solution. The presence of sodium ions does not directly impact the color change of litmus.

In summary, litmus in a solution of sodium carbonate will turn blue, indicating the alkaline nature of the solution.