Editing Rainbow Connection (section)

== Why This Works ==

The Rainbow Connection is a dramatic demonstration about acids and bases. ''Acids'' are solutions that have a free positive ion, such as the hydrogen ion (H<sup>+</sup>), while ''Bases'' are solutions that have a free negative ion, such as the hydroxide ion (OH<sup>-</sup>). A notable fact about acids and bases are that they neutralize each other; if you add equal concentrations of an acid to a base, then the solution will be neutral. Acids and bases have a wide variety of uses, and are both used extensively in all kinds of products and materials.

{| class="wikitable" style="color:black; background-color:#ddd; text-align: left; margin-right: auto"
| '''Acid/Base'''
| '''Examples'''
| '''Common Uses'''
|-
| Strong Acids
| Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Sulfuric Acid (H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>)
| Toilet Bowl Cleaner (Dilute HCl)
Car Batteries (H<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub>)
|-
| Strong Bases
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>)
| Manufacturing of Soap, Paper and Rayon (NaOH)
Bleaching Powder (Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>)
|-
| Weak Acids
| Acetic Acid (CH<sub>3</sub>COOH)
Citric Acid (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>8</sub>O<sub>7</sub>)
| Cooking & Cleaning (Vinegar = dilute CH<sub>3</sub>COOH)
Vitamins and Fruits (Vitamin C = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>8</sub>O<sub>7</sub>)
|-
| Weak Bases
| Baking Soda (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>)
Calcium Carbonate (CaCO<sub>3</sub>)
| Baking and Fire Suppressant (NaHCO<sub>3</sub>)
Antacids and Chalk (CaCO<sub>3</sub>)
|}

Normally, you cannot tell from looking at a solution if it is acidic or basic. This is why we are using ''Acid-Base Indicators'' in our solutions. Acid-base indicators are compounds that, when exposed to an acidic or basic solutions, undergo a color shift. In this demonstration, all of the indicators we use are sensitive to basic solutions, and will become colored when they are exposed to a base. By using a mix of different types of indicators, as well as by making the solution basic, we can get a rainbow of colors to form!