What is the Difference Between Litmus Paper and pH Paper?

Litmus paper and pH paper are both used to determine the acidity or basicity of a solution, but they have different features and applications. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Color Change: Litmus paper is either blue or red, and it changes color when exposed to an acidic or basic solution. The blue paper turns red when the pH is acidic, and the red paper turns blue when the pH is alkaline. On the other hand, pH paper comes with a color-coded scale, with each color representing a specific pH value.
2. Precision: pH paper provides a more precise reading than litmus paper. Litmus paper is a pass or fail test, indicating only if the substance is acidic or alkaline, while pH paper determines the exact pH value.
3. Range: Litmus paper typically has a range of 4.5 to 8.3, meaning it only shows color changes for solutions with a pH below 4.5 and above 8.3. pH paper covers a wider range of pH values, allowing for a more accurate measurement.
4. Usage: Litmus paper is commonly used for a quick, qualitative assessment of a solution's acidity or basicity. pH paper, due to its precision and wide range, is often preferred for more sensitive applications and quantitative measurements.

In summary, litmus paper is a simple, qualitative indicator of acidity or basicity, while pH paper offers a more accurate and precise measurement of pH values.

Comparative Table: Litmus Paper vs pH Paper

Here is a table highlighting the differences between litmus paper and pH paper:

Litmus paper is a simple tool used to determine if a solution is acidic or alkaline, while pH paper provides a more accurate approximation of the pH value of the solution. Litmus paper is made by treating filter paper with a solution of litmus, which contains dyes derived from lichens. In contrast, pH paper is made by treating paper with various dyes, each sensitive to different pH ranges.