Acids & Bases

What are Acids and Bases..? What do we think about when we hear the words acids or bases? Sometimes we tend to think of a chemistry laboratory. While that is true, it is also much more in depth. We are surrounded by acids and bases all over the world, most of them are harmless.

So What is an Acid? A acid is a substance that releases H+ ions in a aqueous (water) solution. Characteristics 1.Acids in solution have a pH below 7.0 (we will talk about in a few minutes). 2.Acids have a sour taste. 3.Turn blue litmus paper red. 4.Acids react with bases to form salts and water. Litmus paper

Strong and Weak Acids Strong acids are very corrosive (destructive) and cause sever skin burns, ex) sulfuric acid Weak acids are mildly corrosive and normally do not affect the skin, ex) vinegar or citrus fruit juice acid.

What is Base? A base is a substance that release OH- ions in aqueous solution (water). Characteristics 1.Taste bitter 2.Feel slippery or soapy 3.Turn red litmus paper back to blue 4.Bases react with acids to form salt and water ex) Detergents

Neutralization? When an acid and base react with each other, the characteristic properties of both are destroyed, this is called neutralization.

Here is a Reaction Formula ACID + BASE  H2O + SALT “Salt” means any ionic compound formed from a acid/base reaction. Ex) HCl + NaOH  H2O + NaCl acid base water salt

What is a Indicator? A indicator is a compound that will change color in the presence of an acid or base. – Ex) Red litmus paper turns blue in a base solution – Ex) Blue litmus paper turns red in a acid solution

Now What is pH pH means “Potential Hydrogen” and is a measure of how many H+ (hydrogen) ions there are in a solution. The MORE H+ there are, the LOWER the pH will be.

pH Scale The pH scale measures the amount of H+ ions in that particular solution. Ranges from 0-14 pH < 7 acid pH = 7 neutral pH > 7 base