Acids and bases

Acids

An acid is any compound that increases the number of hydrogen ions when dissolved in water

Solution tastes sour Can change the color

of certain compounds

Properties of acids

Many acids are corrosive (destroy body tissue and clothing)

Many are also poisonous Solutions of acids conduct an electric

current Turns blue litmus paper red

Uses of acids Sulfuric acid – industrial

chemical used in the production of

Metals Paper Paint Detergents Fertilizers Car batteries

Nitric acid

Fertilizers Rubber Plastics

Uses of acids

Hydrochloric acid

Metals Keep swimming pools

free of algae Stomach acid – aids in

digestion Citric acid/ascorbic acid

Orange juice Carbonic acid/phosphoric

acid

“bite” to soft drinks

Bases

A base is any compound that increases the number of hydroxide ions when dissolved in water

Solution tastes bitter, feels slippery

Can change the color of certain compounds

Properties of bases

Many bases are corrosive Solutions of bases can conduct an electric

current Changes the color of litmus paper blue

Uses of bases

Sodium hydroxide used in Soap Paper Oven cleaners Products to unclog

drains Calcium hydroxide

Cement Mortar Plaster

Uses of bases

Ammonia Household

cleaners Production of

fertilizers Magnesium

hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide Antacids to treat

heartburn

Acids and bases neutralize one another

Acids and bases neutralize one another because of the H+ of the acid and the OH- of the base react to form water, H2O.

If the water is evaporated, these ions join to form a compound called a salt.

pH scale Indicators such as litmus paper, and red cabbage juice, can identify whether a solution contains an acid or baseThe pH of a solution is a measure of the hydronium ion concentration in the solutionA pH of 7 is neutral, meaning neither acidic or basicBasic solutions have a pH greater than 7Acidic solutions have a pH less than 7