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Thursday, October 28, 2021

Difference between blue and red litmus paper

The major difference between red litmus paper and blue litmus paper is that their reaction to different pH values, the blue litmus paper reacts to acidic samples, while red litmus paper reacts to alkaline sample solutions.

Indicators are a particular type of chemical, which can change their color when changing pH. In chemistry there are several indicators are used such as universal indicator, pH paper, and litmus paper (blue or red), etc. these are the fastest and easiest way to determine pH.

Definition of litmus paper:

It is a type of paper, when it is immersed in a solution, it changes color according to the acidity of the solution.

What is litmus paper?

The litmus paper is an indicator which available as a paper strip and it is used to detect the acidic and basic of sample solutions. It is made by a mixture of water-soluble dyes which are absorbed into the filter paper strips.
Difference between blue and red litmus paper

There are two types of litmus paper available which are blue and red color. Alkalinity is measured using red litmus paper, while the acidity is measured using blue litmus paper.

Around 1300, a Spanish physician named Arnaldus de Villa Nova used litmus for the first time. From the 16th century onwards, the blue dye was extracted from lichens in the Netherlands.

The basic raw ingredients used to make litmus paper are lichens, wood cellulose, and adjunct compounds. Litmus paper is made of paper that must be free of pollutants, as this can affect the pH of the sample being tested.

Red litmus paper:

As the name suggests, red litmus papers are colored red. The red litmus paper becomes blue when contacting with the basic or alkaline sample, it is used only to test for basic pH level. It will remain red if it comes into contact with an acidic or neutral solution.

Blue litmus paper:

As the name suggests, blue litmus papers are colored blue. The blue litmus paper becomes red when contacting with the acidic sample, but, if a substance is basic or neutral, then it will remain blue. It is used only to test for acidic pH levels.

Difference between red and blue litmus paper:

  • The major difference between red litmus paper and blue litmus paper is that their reaction to different pH values, the blue litmus paper reacts to acidic samples, while red litmus paper reacts to alkaline samples.
  • Red litmus paper is used to test alkalinity, while blue litmus paper is used to test acidity.
  • The color of red litmus paper is red, while the color of blue litmus paper is blue.
  • When red litmus paper comes into contact with acid, it remains red; when blue litmus paper comes into contact with the base, it remains blue.
  • Red litmus paper remains red, while blue litmus paper remains blue when it comes in contact with a neutral substance.


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