Question

Which of the following solutions changes the color of the turmeric indicator from yellow to red?
A. Neutral
B. Acidic
C. Either acidic or neutral
D. Basic

Answer 1

Hint:
As the name implies, a chemical indicator is a substance that changes color when it detects a threshold concentration of a chemical species, such as an acid or an alkali, in a solution. Chemical indicators are weak acids or weak bases that change color when hydrogen (H⁺) or hydroxide (OH^-) ions are added to aqueous solutions. It is common to use acid-base indicators to mark the endpoint of an acid-base reaction in a titration.

Complete step by step answer:
As a natural indicator, turmeric helps us determine whether a solution is acidic, basic, or neutral. The color of turmeric changes when dipped in a solution based on its pH.
There is a chemical in turmeric called curcumin that remains yellow in acidic or neutral solutions but turns red in bases. Turmeric changes to a deep red color when it is added to a basic solution (soap water, baking soda). This red color can be turned back to yellow after adding acid to the solution (lemon juice, vinegar). In a neutralization reaction, enough acid is added so that there are equal amounts of base and acid - creating a neutral solution.
Hence, the color changes from yellow to red here, indicating a basic solution.
In an acidic solution, turmeric remains yellow and does not turn red. In a neutral solution, no color change is observed.

Option ‘D’ is correct

Note:
Because of the presence of curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric, it helps to decrease swelling, so it is used to treat conditions that involve inflammation and pain. Turmeric is generally used for osteoarthritis, depression, hay fever, high cholesterol, and itching, but there is no scientific proof to support most of these uses.