Virtual Labs: pH Scale and Meter Calibration

Test the pH of common liquids and learn how a food’s pH affects its safety in storage. Then, calibrate your pH meter and use it in the lab.

Virtual Labs interactive food science modules train high school and college students in basic laboratory techniques.

Testing a substance's pH (how acidic or basic it is) provides a important piece of information for natural science investigations. In food science, the pH of a substance – how acidic or basic it is – is key to how it functions in food recipes. This module introduces learners to the pH scale and its uses in food science. They learn how to use the pH meter, and calibrate it by measuring solutions of standard value. Virtual Labs: pH Scale & Meter Calibration familiarizes the user with food science lab equipment and teaches standard techniques for this specific procedure. The interactive guides the user through theory and practice of using the pH scale and pH measurement, so they will have familiarity with the equipment and procedures when encountered in a real lab.

This work was supported by USDA CSREES and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture under two Higher Education Challenge Grant projects: 2008-38411-19055 and 2011-38411-30625. © 2008-2016 NMSU Board of Regents. Collaborating universities South Dakota State University and New Mexico State University are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers and educators.