Assignments & Exams

Course:Environmental Science: SCI-301-2106

Assignment:Assignment 3: Impact of Acidity on Food Safety (after class 9)

Run the lab utility simulation located at:

https://virtuallabs.nmsu.edu/ph.php

Work through the entire utility to learn about acidity and its effect on the food safety of salsa. Answer each of the following questions is completely as possible in 1-2 paragraphs each. Please note that you may need to conduct outside research to answer some of these questions completely. It is also possible that your answers may require critical thinking outside of the material that is stated in the simulation. Please note that there is not necessarily a “correct” answer for each question; there may be multiple possible answers for some of these questions.

1. Explain the role of indicator paper in testing for pH level. If you had to choose two foods or everyday substances to be able to clearly test indicator papers, which would those be? Explain.

2. Discuss the importance of measuring acidity level to protect against botulism. Explain the connection between acidity level and botulism.

3. Explain why salsa may be susceptible to containing the type of bacteria that causes botulism.

4. When calibrating equipment that measures pH level, explain how you would choose which substances to use as buffers.

5. Explain why it is important to carefully rinse off your calibration meter between exposing it to the two substances that you are using to calibrate your meter.