Gumamela (Hibiscus) as a Natural pH Indicator for Acids and Bases

Abstract: This experiment explores Gumamela (Hibiscus) as a natural pH indicator to determine

whether commonly used household products are acidic or basic. By utilizing Gumamela's
anthocyanin-rich petals, known for their pH-sensitive color changes, the study aims to identify
the acidic or basic properties of household items. Gumamela extracts serve as a natural indicator,
reacting with various household products to observe color changes. The goal is to classify these
products as acidic or basic based on their interaction with the natural indicator, offering an eco-
friendly method to determine pH levels in everyday household items.
Objectives: By conducting this experiment, we can gain a better understanding of the chemical
properties of these household products and how they can be classified based on their pH levels.
This knowledge can be useful in various applications, such as in cooking, cleaning, and personal
care. Additionally, using a natural indicator like Gumamela can help us avoid using harmful
chemicals and promote sustainability.
Important Concepts: Acid and base are two broad categories of chemicals that are commonly
used in various contexts.
An acid is a chemical substance that typically has a sour taste and can react with metals to
produce hydrogen gas. Acids can also conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They often
have a pH value below 7 on the pH scale, with lower numbers indicating stronger acidity.
A base, on the other hand, is a chemical substance that usually has a bitter taste and feels slippery
to the touch. Bases can also conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They tend to have a pH
value above 7 on the pH scale, with higher numbers indicating stronger basicity.
The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a substance. It ranges from 0 to 14,
with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH value below 7 are considered acidic, while substances
with a pH value above 7 are considered basic.
Materials:
Safety Gear:
- Gloves
- Lab coat/apron
Containers and Tools:
- 10 small plastic cups
- 1 dropper
- 1 large glass
- Pan
Substances for Experiment:
- 8 dried red Gumamela flowers
- Fresh milk
- Water
- Vinegar
- Soapy water
- Baking soda solution
- Orange juice
- Dishwashing liquid
- Toothpaste
- Feminine wash
Safety Precautions:
Baking soda solution - protective gloves and chemical safety goggles should be worn because it
can cause eye irritation and skin irritation if absorbed through the skin, at last provide good
ventilation to avoid
Procedure:
1. Preparation of Gumamela Solution
- Combine 8 dried Gumamela flowers with 250ml of water in a container.
- Boil the mixture for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Use a strainer to separate the flowers from the solution.
- Transfer the Gumamela solution into a large glass.

2. Testing with Household Samples

- Prepare plastic cups labeled with the following household samples: baking soda solution,
vinegar, dishwashing liquid, toothpaste, feminine wash, orange juice, soapy water, fresh milk,
and water.
- Add each sample into its designated cup.

3. Observation and Reaction

- To each sample, add 5 to 10 drops of the Gumamela solution.
- Observe any changes or reactions in the samples upon the addition of Gumamela solution.
- Based on observations, indicate whether the samples exhibit acidic or basic properties using the
Gumamela indicator.

4. Note
- Record all observations carefully, noting any color changes or reactions observed in each
sample after the addition of Gumamela solution.
- Compare the observed reactions with known indicators of acidity or basicity to classify the
samples accordingly.
Waste Management:
Baking soda - You must throw it in a bin, hand it over to the recycling center, or add it to your
soil as a fertilizer.
Dishwashing liquid / Soapy Water- Flush the amounts of liquid detergent down an inside drain
like toilets with plenty of water
Big Glass - Recycle it or Pack it in a Plastic bag