The Color of Hibiscus Petals as pH Indicator
What is the color of hibiscus petals in acid, base, and neutral indicators?
Final answer: The color of hibiscus petals in acid is red, in base is blue or purple, and in neutral conditions, it may vary depending on the specific pigment present.
Explanation:
Hibiscus petals contain pigments called anthocyanins, which can act as natural pH indicators. These pigments change color depending on the pH of the solution they are in. In acidic conditions, anthocyanins appear red due to the absorption and reflection of light in the spectrum.
Anthocyanins are compounds that are sensitive to changes in pH levels, leading to variations in their color. In acidic conditions, the anthocyanin molecules absorb light in the blue-green region of the spectrum and reflect light in the red region, giving the petals a red color.
On the other hand, in basic conditions, anthocyanins appear blue or purple as they absorb light in the green region of the spectrum and reflect light in the blue or purple region, resulting in a blue or purple coloration of the petals.
However, in neutral conditions, the color of the anthocyanins may vary depending on the specific pigments present in the hibiscus petals. Some anthocyanins may exhibit pink or magenta colors in neutral pH environments, showcasing the diversity of colors that can be observed based on the chemical composition of the petals.