I am curious to know what will happen if I have litmus paper and pH paper, and I dip them into strong concentrated acid like conc. $\ce{H2SO4}$ to test its acidity or basicity. Will acid destroy papers? if YES, then how will I determine the acidity? do I need something else to carry my experiment?
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1$\begingroup$ There are $\mathrm{pH}$ meters too, unless you're also concerned about dissolving glass electrodes. $\endgroup$– William R. EbenezerJun 5, 2019 at 4:14
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8$\begingroup$ Side note: never dip paper indicators into the solution; this is a waste of material (more paper is soaked) and introduces impurities (indicator, cellulose fibers, dust etc.) into the batch. Instead, put a glass stick in a thoroughly mixed solution, then touch the paper strip with the tip of the glass stick. $\endgroup$– andselisk ♦Jun 5, 2019 at 4:59
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4$\begingroup$ What is the sense in testing acidity of concentrated sulphuric acid in the first place ? $\endgroup$– PoutnikJun 5, 2019 at 9:26
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Liquid pH testing solutions or drops are also available. Other indicators like phenolphthalein, methyl orange , methyl red can be used if you expect your test solution to fall in the pH range of the respective indicators. Also it will be wise to take a small sample of the solution to test it rather than testing the whole thing.
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1$\begingroup$ Doesn't this answer circumvent the main question? $\endgroup$ Jun 5, 2019 at 11:07