Difference Between Blue and Red Litmus Paper

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

Indicators are a special type of chemical substances, which can change their color by changing the pH. Various indicators are used in chemistry such as universal indicator, pH paper and litmus paper (blue or red) etc. They are the fastest and easiest way to determine pH.

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Definition of litmus paper:

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

What is litmus paper?

Litmus paper is an indicator available as a paper strip and is used to detect acid and base in sample solutions. It is made from a mixture of water soluble dyes which are absorbed into the strips of filter paper.

Difference Between Blue and Red Litmus Paper

There are two types of litmus paper available, blue and red. Alkalinity is measured with red litmus paper, while acidity is measured with blue litmus paper.

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

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

Red litmus paper:

As the name suggests, red litmus papers are red in color. Red litmus paper turns blue on contact with a basic or alkaline sample, it is only used to check the 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 blue in color. Blue litmus paper turns red when it comes in contact with the acidic sample, but if a substance is basic or neutral, it will remain blue. It is only used to check acid pH levels.

Difference between red and blue litmus paper:

  • The main difference between red litmus paper and blue litmus paper is that their reaction to different pH values, 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 in contact with acid, it stays red; when the blue litmus paper comes into contact with the base, it stays blue.
  • Red litmus paper stays red, while blue litmus paper stays blue when in contact with a neutral substance.

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