Three liquids are given to you. One is hydrochloric acid, another is sodium hydroxide and third is a sugar solution. How will you identify them? You have only turmeric indicator.

Using turmeric indicator, you can distinguish between hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and a sugar solution based on their reactions:

1. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):
– Adding turmeric indicator to a portion of the unknown liquid will result in a color change. Hydrochloric acid, being acidic, turns turmeric indicator from yellow to reddish-orange or pinkish due to its acidic properties.

2. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):
– Introducing turmeric indicator to another portion of the liquid will show a different color change. Sodium hydroxide, a strong base, alters the turmeric indicator from yellow to brown or dark reddish-brown due to its alkaline nature.

3. Sugar Solution:
– Applying turmeric indicator to the third portion of the liquid might show minimal to no change in color. A sugar solution, being neutral, is unlikely to significantly affect the turmeric indicator, maintaining the yellow color.

By observing the color changes in the turmeric indicator when added to each liquid, it’s possible to identify hydrochloric acid by a reddish-orange or pinkish color, sodium hydroxide by a brown or dark reddish-brown color, and the sugar solution by minimal or no change (maintaining yellow). This method helps differentiate the acidic, basic, and neutral properties of the given liquids.