Slime-like liquid identification

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AaronMG
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Slime-like liquid identification

Post by AaronMG »

There is a 5 gallon bucket full of what is suspected to be laundry soap or possibly detergent. What tests can be done at home to identify what it is or rule out what it’s not. It’s green, smells good, makes bubbles when mixed with water and agitated vigorously, and does NOT light on fire when butane torch is lit and directed at it and 1 inch away
falconiverson
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Joined: Tue Jul 07, 2020 11:43 am
Occupation: Student

Re: Slime-like liquid identification

Post by falconiverson »

Hi!

This is Falcon Soedarsono, and I am happy to help you classify and identify the slime-like liquid you have. First, I think the most fundamental way to identify the liquid is by classifying it as either a basic or an acidic solution. To do this, we will need an acid base indicator. In this case, we will be able to buy either a pH probe, pH paper indicator, or also if you happen to live somewhere where getting all these things are difficult, we can also make our own pH indicator by using a red-cabbage indicator. You will be able to find how to make this red cabbage indicator through this following website:

https://ctsciencecenter.org/blog/scienc ... 20a%20base.

After indicating whether our solution is acid or basic, we can then do many other tests such as its solubility in both water (polar solution), oil (hydrocarbon solution), and others. Please let me know if you have any questions about this!

Falcon
AmyCowen
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Re: Slime-like liquid identification

Post by AmyCowen »

Are you doing a school science project related to this bucket of liquid? The Science Buddies forums are specifically available for students working on science projects. We aren't able to help with general science questions or homework/test questions.

As an add-on to the information provided by Falcon, if you do need to set up a cabbage indicator solution, the following resources at Science Buddies contain directions:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-act ... structions
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... -indicator

Amy
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