Diving into Acidity: Acids, Bases & pH
Acids, bases, and pH explore the properties of acids and bases, their reactions, and the pH scale for measuring acidity, offering insights into chemical behavior and reactions. Acids release hydrogen ions (H⁺) and taste sour, bases release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and feel slippery, and the pH scale (0-14) quantifies acidity, with 7 being neutral, helping us understand and predict chemical interactions in solutions.
Components of Acids, Bases & pH
Acids, bases, and pH are defined by their properties, interactions, and measurement tools. Here’s the breakdown:
- Properties of Acids: Characteristics like sour taste, H⁺ ion release, and corrosiveness.
- Properties of Bases: Characteristics like bitter taste, OH⁻ ion release, and slippery feel.
- Acid-Base Reactions: Reactions like neutralization, where acids and bases form water and a salt.
- pH Scale: A 0-14 scale measuring acidity (below 7), neutrality (7), or basicity (above 7).
Lists of Acids, Bases & pH Components with Examples
Properties of Acids Examples
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl) tastes sour and corrodes metals.
- Citric acid in lemons releases H⁺ ions, turning litmus red.
- Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with bases to form salts.
Properties of Bases Examples
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) feels slippery and tastes bitter.
- Ammonia (NH₃) releases OH⁻ ions, turning litmus blue.
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) neutralizes acids in antacids.
Acid-Base Reactions Examples
- HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O (neutralization forms salt and water).
- H₂SO₄ + 2KOH → K₂SO₄ + 2H₂O (acid and base produce a salt).
- CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O (acetic acid neutralizes).
pH Scale Examples
- Lemon juice has a pH of 2, indicating strong acidity.
- Pure water has a pH of 7, showing neutrality.
- Soap solution has a pH of 10, indicating basicity.