Stain removal using Ammonia or Vinegar

[nziegler]

I have heard that ammonia and vinegar (not combined) are good household products for removing certain kinds of stains. For example, ammonia on catsup, vinegar on cofee, ammonia on blood. I am wondering if there is an interesting experiment that can be used as a 6th grade science project around this topic. Do these things work because they are neutralizing acids and alkalis, or is there no relation to this process? Help?

[dreamerofeternity]

How about this: Does the strength of an acid or base affect the ability of it to clean stains? So choose a type of stain, be it blood, coffee, ketchup, or all. Then, for each type of stain, use a strong acid or a strong base. Like HCl is a strong acid, and vinegar is a weak acid. So for a stain caused by 10mL of coffee, pour, let's say 20mL of HCl. Then on another stain caused by 10mL of coffee, pour 20mL of vinegar. Therefore, you're answering the question of whether it is the ability of vinegar and ammonia to neutralize that removes the stains, or is it something else.

Good luck!

[AshleyakaAngel]

I am in need of help with my science project myself so it may be hard but you'll get it

[AshleyakaAngel]

Originally Posted by AshleyakaAngel

I am in need of help with my science project myself so it may be hard but you'll get it

ok well e-mail back Holla

[brainygirl]

Hi Brainygirl I need help on finding out all the info about this word:
phenolphthalein. If you find out what it is please help me!


Well AshleyakaAngel , you can find info in that site :
[url]www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenolphthalein[/url]

[Mad Scientist]

Alternatively, you can check the science project enyclopedia by following the links at the top of this page.

[dreamerofeternity]

Originally Posted by brainygirl

Hi Brainygirl I need help on finding out all the info about this word:
phenolphthalein. If you find out what it is please help me!


Well AshleyakaAngel , you can find info in that site :
[url]www.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenolphthalein[/url]

phenolphthalein is a acid-base indicator. In the presence of a base, it is purple/pink (more like magenta.) When it's neutral or acid, it is colorless.

So it is useful in titrations when you want to find the point when an acid becomes abase or vice versa.