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How to Determine the pH of Cola Drinks

If you've ever wanted to know the acidity of colas and other soft drinks, testing their pH is a simple way to satisfy your curiosity -- and potentially a fun science fair experiment as well. pH meters like the ones you'll find in labs offer the most accurate reading, but you don't actually need a pH meter to conduct these kinds of tests. pH strips or a soil test kit from a home and garden store will work just as well.

Things You'll Need

Cola
Glass
pH paper or soil test kit
Measuring spoon

Instructions

pH Paper
- 1
  Pour the cola into the glass.
- 2
  Dip a strip of pH paper into the cola and remove it again.
- 3
  Compare the new color of the strip with the colors indicated on the chart that came with the pH paper when you purchased it. Generally different colors correspond to different pH ranges, so by matching up the color you can estimate the pH of your drink.
Soil Test Kit
- 4
  Open up the test kit and take out the test container. Pour in a quarter teaspoon of cola.
- 5
  Add a quarter teaspoon of the test solution provided with the kit.
- 6
  Cap the test container and shake it well to mix the contents.
- 7
  Compare the color of the cola in the test container with the color chart provided with the soil test kit. Just as with the pH paper, matching up the color will enable you to estimate the pH of your drink.

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