In Benedict's test for reducing sugars, which color indicates the highest sugar concentration?

Prepare for the IGCSE Science Paper 6 Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your science exam!

Multiple Choice

In Benedict's test for reducing sugars, which color indicates the highest sugar concentration?

Explanation:
The test works because reducing sugars reduce the blue copper(II) ions in Benedict’s solution to copper(I) oxide, which appears as a brick-red precipitate. The amount of precipitate grows as sugar concentration increases, so brick red indicates the highest sugar concentration. Lighter colors like blue, green, yellow, or orange show progressively lower amounts of sugar because less copper(II) is reduced.

The test works because reducing sugars reduce the blue copper(II) ions in Benedict’s solution to copper(I) oxide, which appears as a brick-red precipitate. The amount of precipitate grows as sugar concentration increases, so brick red indicates the highest sugar concentration. Lighter colors like blue, green, yellow, or orange show progressively lower amounts of sugar because less copper(II) is reduced.

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