theory of indicators
- noun
- Specialized
- The theory of indicators explains how dyes like phenolphthalein work in titrations.
Examples
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According to the theory of indicators, the visible color change depends on the different forms of the indicator in solution.
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The theory of indicators explains how pH levels can be measured.
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A detailed understanding of the theory of indicators is essential for analytical chemistry experiments.
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Have you studied the theory of indicators in your chemistry class?
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A detailed understanding of the theory of indicators is essential for analytical chemistry experiments.
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According to the theory of indicators, the visible color change depends on the different forms of the indicator in solution.
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The theory of indicators explains how dyes like phenolphthalein work in titrations.
Synonyms
Substances that are weak acids or bases and that have charged and uncharged forms with different colors
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward noun phrase formed by 'theory' + 'of' + 'indicators', so a learner who knows 'theory' (set of ideas) and 'indicator' (a chemical showing change) can infer it means the theoretical explanation/about indicators (how they work to show pH). The compositional pattern 'theory of X' is common and cross-linguistically transparent, though the precise chemistry details remain domain-specific.
Etymology
Theory of indicators comes from a simple picture: an indicator is a dye that can be in two forms, each showing a different color in an 'acidic' or 'basic' liquid. So this 'theory' explains why the dye changes color to 'show' how acidic or basic a liquid is.