Acids and Bases

Acid: Any substance that gives a H + ion when dissolved in water. –Results in an excess of H 3 O + (hydronium) ions in a solution

–Feels like water

–Tastes sour or tart Ascorbic Acid: Vitamin C Ex. lemons, limes, and oranges

–Metals can dissolve in acids –Ex. HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)

–Strong Acids are good conductors of electricity (electrolytes)

Bases: any substance that accepts H + ions when dissolved in water. –Results in an excess of OH - (hydroxide ions)

–Tastes bitter

–Feels slippery

–Ex: NaOH (sodium hydroxide) –Ex: chlorine, bleach, soap, shampoo, drano

Neutralization: Occurs when acids and bases are combined

–NaOH + HCl  Na+OH+H+Cl H+OH  H 2 O (water) Na + Cl  NaCl (salt)

–When acids and bases combine they form a water and a salt

Indicators: used to indicate if a substance is an acid or a base –Ex. Litmus paper

–Red litmus paper turns blue when dipped in a base –Blue litmus paper turns red when dipped in acid

pH scale: a scale that is used to measure the intensity of an acid or base

–The scale goes from 0-14

–Acids: –0-6 (strong acid=1 weak acid=5)

–Neutral: 7 ex. Water

–Bases: 8-14 Weak base = 8 Strong base = 14