Litumus is a weak acid which can be simply written as HLit. The un-ionised litmus is red, whereas the ion is blue. When the solution is basic, hydroxide ions are added. So more of Litumus ions are obtained. Litumus ions absorb orange color. Hence we observe a blue color. Similarly, when the solution is acidic, the equilibrium shifts to unionized litumus which absorbs blue green. Hence we observe a red color. Hope this helps Solution Litumus is a weak acid which can be simply written as HLit. The un-ionised litmus is red, whereas the ion is blue. When the solution is basic, hydroxide ions are added. So more of Litumus ions are obtained. Litumus ions absorb orange color. Hence we observe a blue color. Similarly, when the solution is acidic, the equilibrium shifts to unionized litumus which absorbs blue green. Hence we observe a red color. Hope this helps.