Litmus test (politics) Litmus test (politics) A litmus test is a question asked of a potential candidate for high office, the answer to which would determine whether the nominating official would proceed with the appointment or nomination. The expression is a metaphor based on the litmus test in chemistry, in which one is able to test the general acidity of a substance, but not its exact pH. Those who must approve a nominee, such as a justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, may also be said to apply a litmus test to determine whether the nominee will receive their vote.
Griess test Griess test The Griess test is an analytical chemistry test which detects the presence of nitrite ion in solution. One of its most important uses is the determination of nitrite in drinking water. The test has also been widely used for the detection of trace explosives containing nitro groups. It is usually necessary to release the nitrite ion from the organic explosive before analysis. This is normally done by alkaline hydrolysis. The "Griess diazotization reaction" on which the Griess reagent relies was first described in 1858 by Peter Griess. Nitrite is detected and analyzed by formation of a red pink