When Litmus solution is neither Acidic nor basic, its colour will be:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is (3):

When a litmus solution is neither acidic nor basic, it means the solution is neutral. Litmus is a natural indicator derived from lichens, and it is commonly used in chemistry to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In its neutral state, a litmus solution exhibits a characteristic purple color. This purple color is the baseline from which it changes when exposed to different pH conditions. Specifically, in the presence of an acid (pH below 7), the purple litmus solution will turn red. Conversely, when it is in a basic or alkaline environment (pH above 7), the litmus solution will turn blue. Therefore, the vibrant purple hue is indicative of a balanced, neutral solution where neither acidic nor basic properties are dominant.

The incorrect option is (1): Red. Red is the color litmus solution turns when it is in an acidic environment, indicating a pH less than 7. This change occurs because the acid donates protons, altering the chemical structure of the litmus dye to display red.

The incorrect option is (2): Blue. Blue is the color litmus solution turns when it is in a basic or alkaline environment, indicating a pH greater than 7. The basic solution accepts protons, causing the litmus dye to change to its blue form.

The incorrect option is (4): Yellow. Yellow is not a color that litmus solution typically exhibits. Other indicators, such as methyl orange, turn yellow in specific pH ranges, but litmus is characterized by its red, blue, or purple coloration.