An indicator is a substance that, in solution, changes colour depending on the substance that is added to it. This colour can be used to approximate the pH of the solution, as indicators are known to have certain colours at different pH levels
pH indicators, such as HIn, are commonly made of a weak acid and its conjugate weak base, such as the HIn/In- indicator. HIn/In- is a buffer that will resist a change in pH.This means that the rate of change of pH when a base or acid is added will follow a logarithmic shape, which is in agreement with the definition pH = -log10[H30+]
When an acid is added
H30+ + In- <------> HIn + H20
this means that if an acidic substance i,e, one contianing hydronium ions, is added to this indicator, by le Chatelier's principle, the system will oppose the change in pH, meaning it will favour the foward reaction to reduce the change in pH.
The exact same logic can be applied when a base is added: HIn + OH- <------> In- + H20
This means that when a weak, or very small amount of acid or base is added to this indicator, by LCP, there will be very little change in pH. However, it means that when larger amounts are added such the pH change will become larger, which will be evidenced by a colour change. This will mimic a logarithmic scale, where a ten fold increase in concentration of hydronium equates to a change in pH of 1