Acids and Bases

Acids

• Properties– a substance that produce hydrogen ions (H+) in

solution– conduct electricity well– can taste sour– corrosive (“eat away” metals)– dehydrating agents (remove water from

materials)

• Common acids– sulfuric acid: most widely used chemical in the

world, car batteries, production of fertilizers– phosphoric acid: make fertilizers and detergents– nitric acid: fertilizers and explosives– hydrochloric acid: stomach acid and to pickle

(clean) metals– acetic acid: vinegar

Bases (also called alkaline)

• Properties– a substance that produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in

solution– feel slippery– may taste bitter– conduct electricity well

• Common bases– ammonium hydroxide: most common,

household cleaning agent, and in fertilizers– magnesium hydroxide: laxative, antacid– sodium hydroxide: drain and oven cleaner– Calcium carbonate: antacid (Tums, Rolaids)

Measuring Acid/Base Strength

• indicators are chemicals that change color in an acid or base

• pH scale

Neutralization

• the chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces “a salt” and water

• acid + alkali → metal salt + water – HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

• acid + metal → metal salt + hydrogen – 2 HCl + Mg → MgCl2 + H2

• acid + metal oxide → metal salt + water – 2 HCO2H + MgO → Mg(HCO2)2 + H2O