I need help finding an experiment where you put a bunch of colors together and add something to make it clear.

Question

I saw this done at a school I worked at and would like to replicate it. The man added a bunch of colors to the water and it became murky, but then added something that made everything clear again. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

This is typically a pH type demonstration. A basic solution is made and split in various containers. Each container then has a different pH indicator added to it, such as phenylphaline (purple). Thus each solution is now a different color. Adding them together will form a murky brownish type solution. Then adding a weak acid to the solution will make the overall solution no longer basic and turn the entire flask clear.

Have fun experimenting.

Answer 2

...or mix food colorings, then add a little dilute household bleach.  Solution will clear right up.