What is pH paper used for?

• A. Testing for the presence of radiation
• B. Testing whether a liquid is acidic or basic
• C. Detecting the concentration of flammable gases
• D. Identifying chemical reactivity potential

Answer: (B)

pH paper is specifically designed to measure the acidity or basicity of a liquid. It contains pH-sensitive dyes that change color depending on the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution. When a sample is introduced to pH paper, it will change color according to the pH scale, which ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), allowing responders to determine the nature of the liquid being tested. This is crucial for hazard assessment, as knowing whether a substance is acidic or basic can help in making informed decisions about handling, storage, or disposal, as well as ensuring safety in emergency situations.

In this context, the other options either pertain to different types of testing or do not relate to the chemical properties that pH paper assesses. For instance, testing for radiation involves different instruments and techniques, while monitoring flammable gases typically requires gas detection devices. Likewise, identifying chemical reactivity involves different methodologies beyond the capabilities of pH paper, as it focuses on the interaction of substances rather than their pH levels.