Chrominfo: Advantages and disadvantages of universal indicator solution

The pH indicator is a chemical compound that is added to the sample solution to easily determine the pH. The pH is the determination of the concentrations of hydronium ions in aqueous solutions. It is determined on a negative logarithmic scale from pH 0 to 14. Neutral solutions are pH 07, acidic is below pH 07, and basic is above 07 pH. Water is the best example of a neutral pH. The pH can be determined in different ways, such as pH paper, litmus paper, pH indicator and pH meter.

The advantages of universal indicator solution are as follows.

Basically, it is used to determine the estimated pH of a solution.
It covers the whole range of pH.
We can use simple acid-base indicators only to identify the nature of a sample, whether it is a base or an acid. But the universal indicator is used to determine the strength of a sample by indicating its pH value.
Like the pH meter, there is no waiting time for equilibrium, it gives fast measurements.
The universal indicator gives high accuracy results even with the weak buffer solutions.
If we follow the labeled instruction to store, it has good stability.
A wide range of colors is produced according to the strength of the acid or base.
This allows you to detect more things than an ordinary indicator.

The disadvantages of universal indicator solution are as follows.

When using liquid pH indicators, the sample solution should, preferably, be clear and colorless.
The pH meter is more accurate than indicators
The major disadvantage of the universal indicator solution is that it is non-reusable.
This can cause environmental pollution.
If the sample is contaminated, the result may be incorrect.