Acids and Bases

Acids Properties –a substance that produce hydrogen ions (H + ) in solution –conduct electricity well –can taste sour –corrosive (“eat away” metals) –dehydrating agents (remove water from materials)

Common acids –sulfuric acid: most widely used chemical in the world, car batteries, production of fertilizers –phosphoric acid: make fertilizers and detergents –nitric acid: fertilizers and explosives –hydrochloric acid: stomach acid and to pickle (clean) metals –acetic acid: vinegar

Bases (also called alkaline) Properties –a substance that produce hydroxide ions (OH - ) in solution –feel slippery –may taste bitter –conduct electricity well

Common bases –ammonium hydroxide: most common, household cleaning agent, and in fertilizers –magnesium hydroxide: laxative, antacid –sodium hydroxide: drain and oven cleaner –Calcium carbonate: antacid (Tums, Rolaids)

Measuring Acid/Base Strength indicators are chemicals that change color in an acid or base pH scale

Neutralization the chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces “a salt” and water acid + alkali → metal salt + water –HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H 2 O acid + metal → metal salt + hydrogen –2 HCl + Mg → MgCl 2 + H 2 acid + metal oxide → metal salt + water –2 HCO 2 H + MgO → Mg(HCO 2 ) 2 + H 2 O