Gumamela pH Indicator

Learning Competency: Investigate properties of acidic and basic

mixtures using natural indicators (S7MT-Ii-6)

Introduction
The red gumamela flower in your yard has more
uses than just making your garden beautiful. The red
petals contain pigments called anthocyanin, which
change color with a change in pH. The pigment serves
as an alternative pH indicator from the gumamela
flowers. You will use this indicator to determine if the
liquid is acidic, neutral, or basic.
In acid solution, the anthocyanin is red color; in basic solution, its color ranges from
green to brown; and in a neutral solution like water, its color is a combination of reddish violet
and brown. Anthocyanin is also found in red cabbage and in the skin of grapes and eggplant.
Conventionally, litmus paper is used in the laboratory for a quick check if the solution is
an acid or a base. Blue litmus paper turns red in an acid, and red litmus paper turns blue in a
base. Which is a more sensitive pH indicator—litmus paper or anthocyanin extract from the red
gumamela?

Objectives
 Prepare a pH indicator from gumamela petals
 Use the prepared pH indicator to determine the pH of liquids
 Assess if the liquid is an acid, a base, or a neutral solution
 Verify the results of the gumamela indicator using conventional litmus paper
 Compare the sensitivity of gumamela indicator as pH indicator with that of litmus paper.

Estimated Time Frame

80 minutes

Gilynne M. Magos (MAEd- Science Education) 1

Gumamela pH Indicator
Learning Competency: Investigate properties of acidic and basic mixtures using natural
indicators (S7MT-Ii-6)
Materials
Preparation of pH indicator
10 red gumamela flowers beaker hot tap water (5 ml)
plastic spoon pot holder barbeque sticks or stirring rod
medicine dropper test tubes, 16 pieces test tube rack
red and blue litmus paper
Test Liquids ( 1 ml of each)
Vinegar
Tap water
Soap solution (dissolve a small piece of bar or laundry soap in water)
Saliva (saliva of person collected in a small beaker or container)
Baby cologne
Feminine wash
Colorless softdrink
Baking soda solution (dissolve baking soda in water)

Procedure
A. Preparation of pH Indicator
1. Separate the red gumamela petals and shred them using your fingers.
2. Transfer the petals into a beaker and submerge them in 5 ml hot water.
3. Press down the petals with a plastic spoon and with a stirring rod and observe as the
water absorbs the color of the petals. Do not use a metal spoon or knife because the
anthocyanin pigment reacts with metals.
4. Allow the mixture to cool down. Decant or pour out the colored solution into a clean
dry beaker. This solution is your pH indicator.
B. Testing ph
1. Prepare two test tubes for each liquid solution to be tested.
2. Transfer about 1 ml (20 drops) of a test liquid into the test tubes.
3. Using a medicine dropper, add a few drops of gumamela pH indicator into one test
tube. Immerse a piece of red and blue litmus paper.
4. Observe and record the color changes, conclude if the solution tested is acidic, basic,
or neutral. Put a check mark under the corresponding column in the activity sheet.
Gilynne M. Magos (MAEd- Science Education) 2
Gumamela pH Indicator
Learning Competency: Investigate properties of acidic and basic mixtures using natural
indicators (S7MT-Ii-6)
Data and Results

Color Change Inference

Test Liquid Gumamela
Litmus Paper ACID NEUTRAL BASE
Extract
Vinegar
Tap water
Soap solution
Saliva
Baby cologne
Feminine wash
Soft drink
Baking soda

Conclusion

Post Laboratory Questions

a. How does the sensitivity of red gumamela extract as a ph indicator
compare to litus paper?

b. The normal ph range of saliva is slightly acidic to neutral or between 6.8

to 7.4. what would happen to the oral cavity if the ph of saliva is acidic?

Gilynne M. Magos (MAEd- Science Education) 3

Gumamela pH Indicator
Learning Competency: Investigate properties of acidic and basic mixtures using natural
indicators (S7MT-Ii-6)

c. The feces of a healthy person who drank red cabbage juice was green in
color. What is the possible reason for the feces turning green?

Gilynne M. Magos (MAEd- Science Education) 4