What Are Acids And Bases?

 


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.


 Also read: Molecular Biology


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+).

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post