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How to Adjust the pH Using HCl

In chemistry, pH is the logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions in water solutions. The pH continuous scale ranges from 0 to 14 and defines acidity level of the solution. When pH is below 7 the solution is acidic, while higher than 7 pH values correspond to a basic media. HCl is the chemical formula of hydrochloric acid. This acid is a common reagent used in laboratory work and allows you to quickly decrease solution pH.

Things You'll Need

Beaker
Plastic pipette
Glass rod
pH paper

Instructions

- 1
  Pour the solution you need to adjust into a beaker.
- 2
  Decide on the final pH of the solution; for example, you need to adjust pH to 3.
- 3
  Fill a pipette with the solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
- 4
  Add one to two drops of the HCl solution to the solution in the beaker.
- 5
  Mix the solution in the beaker with a glass rod for 10 to 15 seconds.
- 6
  Put a piece of the pH paper into the beaker solution, and then take it out.
- 7
  Compare the color of the pH paper with the pH scale that comes with the paper package to determine the current pH of the solution.
- 8
  Repeat Steps 4 Step 7 until you get the required pH of the solution.

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