What is the Difference Between Red and Blue Litmus Papers?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between red and blue litmus papers lies in their reaction to different pH values and the substances they are used to test. Here are the key differences:
- Color: Red litmus papers are red in color, while blue litmus papers are blue in color.
- Reaction to pH: Red litmus papers change their color to blue when they come in contact with a basic solution, while blue litmus papers change their color to red when they come in contact with an acidic solution.
- Testing Substances: Blue litmus papers are used to test acidic substances, turning red when exposed to an acidic pH level. Red litmus papers are used to test alkaline or basic substances, turning blue when exposed to an alkaline pH level.
Both red and blue litmus papers are made from a mixture of water-soluble dyes extracted from lichens, such as Roccella tinctoria, which are absorbed into a filter to create the litmus paper. The color change of litmus papers occurs within a pH range of 4.5-8.3 at 25°C.
Comparative Table: Red vs Blue Litmus Papers
The main difference between red and blue litmus papers lies in their color changes in response to the pH of the solution they are dipped in. Here is a comparison table outlining the differences:
| Feature | Red Litmus Paper | Blue Litmus Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Indicates | Alkaline or basic solutions (pH above 7) | Acidic solutions (pH below 7) |
| Color Change | Turns blue when the solution is basic or alkaline | Turns red when the solution is acidic |
| Neutral pH Response | Sometimes purple or unchanged | Sometimes purple or unchanged |
| pH Range | Red below pH 4.5, blue above pH 8.3 | Unchanged blue or sometimes purple at neutral pH |
Red litmus paper is used to test for alkaline or basic solutions, while blue litmus paper is used to test for acidic solutions. When red litmus paper is placed in a basic solution, it turns blue. In contrast, when blue litmus paper is placed in an acidic solution, it turns red.
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