Question

What is litmus?
A. Water soluble mixture of different dyes
B. Mixture of metal and non-metal ions
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

We know that an indicator is a substance that shows different colour in acidic and basic medium. Some examples of indicators are litmus, turmeric etc. Litmus is termed a universal indicator.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s discuss litmus indicators in detail. It is a colouring matter that is extracted from lichens. It turns to red colour in acidic solution and blue in alkaline solution. It is a water soluble mixture of different dyes. It is a weak organic compound and it is used in the form of litmus paper.
Let’s learn about litmus solution. A litmus solution is a purple colored solution. The use of this solution is to separate acids and bases. The addition of an acid to the litmus solution changes its colour to red and addition of base to the litmus solution changes its colour to blue. This solution is extracted from lichens. Lichen is a composite organism that emerges from Cyanobacteria or algae.
Let’s learn olfactory indicators and natural indicators in detail. They are the indicators which smell differently in the presence of acids and bases. For example, vanilla extract etc.
Natural indicators are those indicators that occur naturally and help to distinguish between acids and bases. For example, red cabbage, onion, tomato etc.

So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: It is to be noted that litmus paper is used in laboratories to distinguish between acids and bases. The litmus paper is of two types, blue litmus and red litmus. Blue litmus turns red in acidic solution. And red litmus turns blue in the basic solution.