Acids

• Most acids start with the element H, hydrogen – EX: HCl (hydrochloric acid), H2SO4 (sulfuric acid)

• Any compound that increases the number of hydronium ions, (H+), when dissolved in water is an acid

• Has sour taste (think vinegar or lemons)• NEVER TASTE, SMELL OR TOUCH

ACIDS• Corrosive – destroys body tissue, clothing

and other materials• React with some metals to produce

hydrogen gas• Conduct electricity• Most widely made acid H2SO4

• Common uses of acids• Make paper• Paint• Detergents• Fertilizer

• HCl common uses• Separating metals• Swimming pools to stop algae

Bases

• Most bases end with OH-, a hydroxide ion, when dissolved in water

• Has bitter taste and slippery feel (think soap)

• Corrosive properties

• NEVER TASTE, SMELL OR TOUCH BASE

• Conducts electric current

• Commons uses of bases– Make soap– Make paper– Oven cleaner– Drain cleaner– Household cleaners– Antacids (treat heartburn – rolaids or tums)

Strong -vs- Weak Acids

• Strong acids will have additional Hydrogen (H+) molecules in the compound

• All of the Hydrogen molecules break apart when dissolved in water

• EX:H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) compared to HCl (hydrochloric acid)

• Both are very strong acids but H2SO4 would be the strongest of the two

Strong -vs- Weak base

• Strong bases will have additional hydroxide (OH-), molecules in the compound

• All of the molecules of a base break apart when dissolved in water and produce hydroxide ions

• EX: NaOH (sodium hydroxide) compared to Mg(OH)2 (Magnesium hydroxide)

Salts

• Large group of compounds with similar properties

• When a reaction occurs between an acid and a base, they neutralize each other

• When an acid neutralizes a base, salt and water are produced

• Indicators are use to identify acids and bases

• pH scale is used to determine if an acid or base is strong or weak (compared to other acids and bases) REMEMBER ALL ACIDS AND BASES ARE DANGEROUS

• 7 on the pH scale is neutral (H2O)

• Bases have a pH greater than 7

• Acids have a pH less than 7.