pH strips are small strips of pH indicator paper. Typically, this paper measures the entire range of pH levels from 1 to 14, but some pH strips only register a few pH levels. Some, like litmus papers, only indicate whether a substance is an acid or a base. All of these types of papers have similar benefits.
Speed
To test the pH of a solution, a pH test strip must be immersed for several seconds. This is quite fast, and gives test results almost instantly. pH strips are much faster than using indicators, which are liquids that change color when added to a solution of a certain pH. pH strips are, essentially, pieces of paper coated with indicators. The advantage is that the user does not need to determine which indicators to use for a sample; the test strip covers the range of possible pH levels. Indicators are more limited in scope.
Accuracy
pH strips are accurate and measure pH with as precisely as other common methods for measuring pH, such as liquid test kits. To read a test strip, compare the color of the strip to the chart included with the testing kit that shows the relationship between color results and pH level. While dependent upon the reader's interpretation of colors, this method is typically suitable for testing pH.
Expense
pH indicator strips are quite inexpensive, and many strips can be purchased at once for relatively little cost. Other common methods of testing for pH are liquid pH test kits and digital pH meters. Both of these methods are more expensive than using pH strips. Digital pH meters are also noted for breaking easily and without warning; the electrode must be replaced if it becomes dry, adding to the expense of a digital meter.
Convenience
pH strips have several qualities that make them more convenient than most other methods of testing. They do not require additional equipment; thus there are fewer components involved than liquid testing kits or digital meters. This makes them more portable. They are also durable and easily replaced, whereas digital pH meters are often delicate and require maintenance. pH strips always measure the pH of a solution in the same way, whereas digital pH meters require calibration before every use.
Tags: digital meters, test strip, common methods, kits digital, kits digital meters, liquid test