7/27/2019 Acid vs Base
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Bases are the chemical opposite of acids. Acids are defined as compounds that donate a hydrogen ion
(H+) to another compound (called a base). Traditionally, an acid (from the Latin acidus or acere meaning
sour) was any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogen ion
activity greater than inpure water, i.e. a pH less than 7.0. Correspondingly, a base was any compound
that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity lower than that of pure water,
i.e. a pH higher than 7.0 at standard conditions.A soluble base is also called an alkali. A reaction between an acid and a base is called neutralization and
this neutralization results in production of water and a salt. Volatile liquids (acids) when mixed with
specific substances turn into salts. These substances form a concrete base and hence the name base
was derived. Acids in general are H+ donors and Bases are H+ acceptors.
Acid BaseDefinition: Arrhenius Definition: An acid is any
chemical compound which when
dissolved in water gives a solution
with a hydrogen ion activity greater
than in pure water. Bronstead Lowry
Definition: An acid is an substance
which donates a proton.
Arrhenius Definition: A base is an
aqueous substance that can accept
hydrogen ions. Bronstead Lowry
Definition: A base is any substance
which accepts a proton.
pH (measure ofconcentration of
hydrogen ions in a solution):
Less than 7.0. Greater than 7.0 and could go up to
14 in case of stronger bases.
Physical characteristics: Depending on the temperature, acids
can occur in solid, liquid or gaseous
form. Taste sour.
Bases feel slippery because of the
reaction of the base with the oils of
your hand. Frequently solids except
ammonia which is a gas. Taste
bitter.
Strength: depends on concentration of thehydronium ions
depends on concentration of thehydroxide ions
Phenolphthalein: remains colorless Makes it pink
Other Properties: Electrolytes, conduct electricity
(because electrolytes), react with
many metals.
Electrolytes, conduct electricity,
ranges from insoluble to so soluble
that they can react with water vapor.
Dissociation: Acids free hydrogen ions (H+) when
mixed with water.
Bases free hydroxide ions (OH-)
when mixed with water.
Chemical Formula: An acid has a chemical formula with
H at the beginning of it. For
example, HCl (Hydrochloric Acid).
There is one exception to his rule,CH3COOH = Acetic Acid (vinegar)
A base has a chemical formula with
OH at the end of it. For example,
NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide).
Examples: Acetic acid i.e.CH3COOH
andSulfuric acid
Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH) and
Ammonia (NH3)
Litmus test: Acids change litmus paper red. Bases change litmus paper blue.
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Properties of acids vs basesBases have a slippery feel on fingers and taste bitter. They change litmus paper blue. Acids taste sour
and create a stinging feeling on the mucous membranes. They change litmus paper red. They can react
with bases to produce salts and water. They both conduct electricity depending on the dissociation of
ions. Acids have a pH lesser than 7.0 and the lower it is, the stronger the acid becomes. Bases have a pHbetween 7 and 14. Higher the pH value,stronger will be the base. A pH level of 7 is a neutral substance
which is water.
Differences in Applications for acids and basesAcids are often used to remove rust from metals, as an electrolyte in batteries, for mineral processing, to
produce fertilizers and gasoline and as additives in food and beverages. Bases are used primarily in
cleaning as dishwashingand laundry detergents, oven cleaners and stain removers.
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