Question

How do we distinguish between acid and bases uesing an olfactory indicator

Answer 1

Hey,

I studied the same  thing in class today and this is what i under stood :).

An acid is a material that can release a proton or hydrogen ion (H +). Hydrogen chloride in water solution ionizes and becomes hydrogen ions and chloride ions. If that is the case, a base, or alkali, is a material that can donate a hydroxide ion (OH-).

Answer 2

Firstly we take Onion extract or Vanilla Extract as an olfactory indicator for the experiment. When any of these extract is taken on a filter paper and a few drops of acidic medium is put it destroys the smell of the indicator or when base is added no change is observed resulting in change of smell in them in case when acid is added . However no change when base is added.