Definitions of Acids and Bases
An acid is any substance with
hydrogen that can donate a proton (hydrogen ion) to another substance. A
molecule or ion that can take in hydrogen ions from an acid is called a base.
The sour taste of acidic substances is typically used to
identify them. An acid is essentially a molecule that can donate an H+ ion and
can continue to be energetically advantageous after losing H+. Litmus turns
blue and acid turns red.
On the other hand, bases have a bitter taste and a texture
that is hard to move. An alkali is a base that dissolves easily in water. Salts
are produced when these substances chemically react with acids. Litmus blue
bases have been known to turn red.
Also read: Mammalia
Chemistry Definition of Acid
The terms "acid" and "base"
have been interpreted in a variety of ways based on how they are viewed by one
another. Acids and bases were first defined by Arrhenius as compounds that
ionize to produce hydroxide ions and hydrogen ions, respectively.
Theories of Acids and Bases
There are three distinct
theories defining acids and bases. The Arrhenius theory, the Bronsted-Lowry
theory, and the Lewis theory of acids and bases are examples of these theories.
This subsection provides a brief description of each of these theories. There
are three distinct theories for the definition of acids and bases.
• According to the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases,
"a base produces an OH– ion in its solution, whereas an acid generates H+
ions in a solution."
• "An acid as a proton donor and a base as a proton
acceptor" is how the Bronsted-Lowry theory defines them.
The pH scale, which stands for "potential of
hydrogen," can be utilized to determine the numerical value of a
substance's level of acidity or basicity. The most common and reliable method
for determining a substance's acidity or basicity is the pH scale. A
substance's pH can be measured anywhere from 0 to 14, with 0 representing the
most acidic and 14 representing the most basic.
1. The Qualities of Acids and Bases
• The corrosive nature
of acids is one of their properties.
• They are excellent electric current movers.
• Their pH levels are never higher than 7.
2. Bases' Properties Some properties, such as a bitter
taste, belong to all bases. Additionally, the bases feel slick. Imagine
slippery soap in your dreams. Additionally, this is a base. Furthermore, due to
the presence of charged particles in the solution, bases conduct electricity
when submerged in water.
• When touched, they are found to have a buttery texture.
• When dissolved in water, these substances produce
hydroxide ions (OH– ions).
• In their aqueous solutions, bases are excellent
electricity conductors.
• Bases always have pH values that are higher than 7.
3. Substances That Aren't Acidic or Basic A neutral substance
does not change the color of the litmus surface, has the same amount of
hydrogen and hydroxyl ions and is neither acidic nor basic.
• There are no acidic or basic properties to these
substances.
• Their pH levels are about 7.
• Red and blue litmus paper are unaffected by neutral
substances.
• Pure water has a pH of exactly 7.
• Examples:
• According to the Bronsted-Lowry concept, an
acid is a substance that can donate H+, and a base is a substance that can
accept H+. Water and common salt (NaCl) combine acids and bases.
• A conjugate acid and base pair is an acid and a base that
differ by a proton.
• When a proton is added to a base, it creates a conjugate
acid, and when it is taken out of an acid, it creates a conjugate base.
Lewis's Concept of Acids and Bases
• According to Lewis's
definition, an acid is a species that can accept an electron pair because it
has a vacant orbital.
• A species of Lewis base can function as an electron-pair
donor because it possesses a single pair of electrons.
Uses of acids and bases This section lists the various uses of acids and bases.
1. Applications of Acids
• Vinegar, a diluted solution of
acetic acid, can be used for a variety of household tasks. It is mostly used to
keep food fresh.
• Both orange juice and lemon juice contain citric acid.
Food preservation is another application for it.
• Batteries frequently make use of sulfuric acid. This acid
is frequently present in the batteries that power automobile engines.
2. Uses of Bases
• Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of soap and paper. Additionally, rayon is made with NaOH.
• Bleaching powder is made from Ca(OH)2, also known as
slaked lime or calcium hydroxide.
• Calcium hydroxide is used to make the dry mixes used in
painting or decorating.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you distinguish
between acids and bases?
Count the hydrogens in each substance before and after the
reaction to determine whether it is an acid or a base. Acid, which donates
hydrogen ions, is the substance whose number has decreased. What distinguishes
something from an acid or a bottom? A substance is considered to be a base if the
number of hydrogens in it has increased.
A contributing product containing hydrogen ions is an acid.
The given solution is an acid if it has more hydronium ions (H3O+) than
hydroxyl ions (OH-). In a similar vein, a base is a solution in which there are
more hydroxyl ions (OH-) than hydrogen ions (H+).
2. What do base and example mean?
Bases include things like sodium hydroxide, calcium carbonate,
and potassium oxide. A base is a substance that can react with hydrogen ions
and neutralize the acid. Ammonium hydroxide is a typical example of a base, and
it is known as an acceptor of a proton (H+).