Chemical indicator
Chemical Indicator
A Chemical Indicator (pronunciation: /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtər/) is a substance that undergoes a distinct observable change when conditions in its solution change. This could be a change in color or clarity, formation of a precipitate, or the evolution of gas.
Etymology
The term "Chemical Indicator" is derived from the Latin words 'Chemia' meaning 'Chemistry' and 'Indicare' meaning 'to indicate'.
Types of Chemical Indicators
Chemical indicators can be classified into several types based on their application:
- pH Indicators: These are usually weak acids or bases that display a color change within a certain pH range. Examples include litmus paper and phenolphthalein.
- Redox Indicators: These indicators undergo a color change at a specific electrode potential.
- Complexometric Indicators: These are used in complexometric titrations, such as Eriochrome Black T used in water hardness testing.
- Adsorption Indicators: These are used in precipitation titrations. An example is Fluorescein.
Usage
Chemical indicators are widely used in various fields such as:
- Chemistry: They are used in titrations to indicate the completion of a reaction.
- Biology: They are used to indicate the pH of a solution, or to identify certain substances.
- Medicine: They are used in diagnostic tests.
- Environmental Science: They are used to test water quality and soil pH.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chemical indicator
- Wikipedia's article - Chemical indicator
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