Choose safety matches, which contain more sulfur and less phosphorus than other types. [2] X Research source Adult supervision is recommended while using the matches. Bromothymol blue is a solution that changes color when pH drops and can be purchased online. The small container can be glass or plastic as long as it is clear.
10 mL is about equal to 2 teaspoons. [3] X Research source When bromothymol blue comes into contact with an acid, the color of the solution turns yellow.
With the lid on the jar you have trapped the carbon dioxide and sulfur gases produced by the matches. These gases are the same gases that get trapped in our atmosphere due to vehicle emissions. Have adult supervision during this step.
Shake the jar to mix the gases from the matches with the bromothymol blue solution.
If the water doesn’t turn yellow, you may need to burn more matches to trap more gas. Alternatively, you can use less water and try again.
If you want to do this easily at home, you can use vinegar or lemon juice instead of sulfuric acid. You don’t need an eyedropper or pH meter if you use vinegar or lemon juice.
Do not lean over or breathe in the acid.
If you’re using pH strips, dip the strip into the water and wait until the strip changes color. Compare that color to the key to determine what the pH of your solution is. Keep checking the pH with a new strip each time until you get to 4. 0. If you’re using vinegar/lemon juice, skip this step.
Monitor the state of your plants over time, noting the effects on the plants. After a few days, you should notice that the plant sprayed with the acid rain develops brown/yellow leaves and is badly damaged compared to the plant with just distilled water. This shows the effect of acid rain on the environment.
