Addition of the indicator methyl orange to an unknown solution leads to a yellow color. The addition of bromthymol blue to the same solution also leads to a yellow color. (b) What is the range (in whole numbers) of possible pH values for the solution?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the pH range where methyl orange changes color. Methyl orange changes from red to yellow in the pH range of 3.1 to 4.4.
2. Identify the pH range where bromthymol blue changes color. Bromthymol blue changes from yellow to blue in the pH range of 6.0 to 7.6.
3. Since the solution turns yellow with both indicators, it must be in the range where both indicators show yellow.
4. Determine the overlapping pH range where both indicators show yellow. Methyl orange shows yellow above pH 4.4, and bromthymol blue shows yellow below pH 6.0.
5. Conclude that the pH of the solution is between 4.5 and 5.9, as this is the range where both indicators would show a yellow color.

Key Concepts

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 indicates acidity, and above 7 indicates basicity. The scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration.

Indicators and Their pH Ranges

Indicators are substances that change color in response to pH changes. Methyl orange transitions from red to yellow between pH 3.1 and 4.4, while bromthymol blue changes from yellow to blue between pH 6.0 and 7.6. The color change indicates the pH range of the solution based on the indicator used.

Acid-Base Properties of Solutions

The acid-base properties of a solution determine its behavior with indicators. A solution that turns both methyl orange and bromthymol blue yellow suggests it is likely acidic but not strongly so, indicating a pH below 6.0. This information helps narrow down the possible pH range for the unknown solution.