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PhET sims, part 2!

Following on from my blog two months ago about our sponsorship of PhET simulations, our final instalment is now live on Learn Chemistry!

This time acid-base solutions, pH scale: basics and pH scale have been transformed from flash animations to HTML5, so they are compatible with all mobile and tablet devices.

Acid-base solutions can be used using the following starter ideas:

How do strong and weak acids differ? Use lab tools on your computer to find out! Dip the paper or the probe into solution to measure the pH, or put in the electrodes to measure the conductivity. Then see how concentration and strength affect pH. Can a weak acid solution have the same pH as a strong acid solution?



And pH scale is suitable for middle school students up to high school with different tabs for each one within the simulation. pH: basics takes the middle school level as a simulation of its own. Use the suggestions below to start your investigation of pH.

Test the pH of things like coffee, spit, and soap to determine whether each is acidic, basic, or neutral. Visualize the relative number of hydroxide ions and hydronium ions in solution. Switch between logarithmic and linear scales. Investigate whether changing the volume or diluting with water affects the pH. Or you can design your own liquid!


 
We have been exceptionally pleased with these internationally popular simulations. In the future we will be adding into Learn Chemistry links to all the other chemistry PhET simulations!

Enjoy your exploration!
Posted by Alexandra Kersting on May 23, 2014 1:48 PM Europe/London

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