Suggestions for Research Assignments
- Prepare a bibliography of one of the following scientists: Svante Arrhenius, Johannes Brønsted, Thomas Lowry Brønsted, Gilbert Newton Lewis
- What is acid rain? How does it form? What is the pH of acid rain? Discuss some of the economic and environmental importance of acid rain. What are some methods used to reduce the production of acid rain?
- Investigate the production and use of acids and bases in our society, selecting several examples of each.
- Create a simulated stomach by placing 5 mL of 2M HCl into 50 mL of water in an erlenmeyer flask. Test the pH. What is the normal pH of a human stomach? Add an antacid tablet to your "stomach". Re-test the pH. Compare different brands of antacids. What causes heartburn? Investigate the pH of other parts of the digestive system, beginning with the mouth.
- In terms of acids and bases, what is a buffer? What is the purpose of a buffer? Explain how buffers are applications of Le Châtelier's Principle. Give several specific examples of how buffers are used in industry or for medical uses.
- What causes heartburn? How do antacids work to relieve heartburn? What are the key ingredients in various antacids? Are some more effective than others, and if so what might make some more effective than others? Compare different brands of common antacids in terms of their ingredients and other factors. Can you think of a way to demonstrate how antacids work?
- Bulimia is a serious health problem. One of the many problems suffered by bulimics, other than the obvious weight loss, is damage to to tongue, throat, and esophagus. Why?
- How do artists make etchings?
- Drain cleaners often contain sodium hydroxide, a strong base. Investigate how drain cleaners work to unclog drains. What precautions should be observed when using drain cleaners?
- Many more ideas can be found in the Evergreen Curriculum.
Quick Research
- Identify some acids and some bases which are used in common household products.
- Find products at home that make pH claims. Shampoos, for example, may advertise that they are "pH balanced". Prepare a display.
- What is the pH of a typical human stomach?
- You could make this into a class race, working individually or with a partner:
Where would you find the following acids (other than in the Chem. Storage room), or describe what they are used for:
acetic acid, aqua regia, ascorbic acid, boric acid, carbonic acid, citric acid, formic acid, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, muriatic acid, oil of vitriol, sulfuric acid, tannic acid, tartaric acid, uric acid
Where would you find the following bases (other than in the Chem. Storage room), or describe what they are used for:
household ammonia (ammonia water); lye (caustic potash); lye (caustic soda); milk of magnesia; slaked lime
This page provides a list of research topics mentioned in the notes, as well as providing some additional ideas for research projects.
Some suggestions for presenting your research findings:
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Always be sure to provide the source of your information. This link shows you how to cite resources you get from the Internet