Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

How do i test the basicity or acidity of water once another element has been added?

Hi dylanjrt,

Welcome to Science Buddies! The easiest way to test the pH of a solution is to use pH test strips, which you can order online if your school does not have them. If your school has a pH meter, that can often detect more subtle differences in pH. But pH test strips are fast and easy.

I noticed that you are also interested in the use of salt to melt ice, or freezing point depression due to solutes. Are you trying to relate the two ideas? Note that freezing point depression has more to do with the number of ions in solution rather than their acidity or basicity.

I hope this helps. Please post again (in this same thread) if you have more questions.

Heather

I am also testing the effects the salt or ice melting products have on plants. I am mixing the ice melting products into the water and then feeding this water to the plants, to see which one grows the most, or which one grows the least.

Also, I am trying to think of a name for the project, if you have any ideas based on the info I provided...

As well, which category do you think best suits this project; Biotechnology Engineering and Computing Science Earth and Environmental Science
Health Science Life Science or Physical and Mathematical Science

Hi dylanrjt,

What an interesting idea! This allows you to see the effects of human efforts on plant life near roads. I think the project would fit Earth and Environmental Science or Life Science.

Here are some tips for how to measure plant growth for your project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... owth.shtml

You could call it something like, "Clear the Roads, Salt the Plants? The Effects of Ice Melting Products on Plant Growth."

I hope this helps!

Heather