Household Experiment Based on Smartphones: Chemical Equilibrium and Acid–Base Titration Experiment Using Red Cabbage and Sodium Carbonate

Abstract

Practical experiments enhance students' understanding of basic concepts and promote deep learning experiences in chemistry. The smartphone application of Lab4Chemistry was utilized to replace colorimeters with smartphone camera sensors. Low-cost and readily available materials, including anthocyanin (fresh red cabbage) and common kitchen substances (vinegar, sodium carbonate, citric acid), were employed to investigate the factors affecting chemical equilibrium (concentration and temperature), making the slight changes visualized. The experiment could also explore the acid−base titrations and quantitatively determine the acetic acid content in white vinegar. This method simplifies the experimental process, making it convenient and easy to implement. It aims to explore smartphone-based household experiments in chemical equilibrium and acid−base titration, improving students' comprehension and offering more interactive scientific exploration. Students' assessment indicated the feasibility of these home experiments, resulting in positive implications for innovating science education postpandemic, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, and the development of students' experimental skills.