Acids and Bases

Front

What is an acid?

Back

An acid is a substance that donates protons (H+) in a chemical reaction and has a pH less than 7.

Front

What is a base?

Back

A base is a substance that accepts protons (H+) or donates hydroxide ions (OH-) in a chemical reaction and has a pH greater than 7.

Front

What is the pH scale?

Back

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic), with 7 being neutral.

Front

What pH value indicates a neutral solution?

Back

A pH value of 7 indicates a neutral solution.

Front

What happens to blue litmus paper in an acid?

Back

Blue litmus paper turns red when placed in an acid.

Front

What happens to red litmus paper in a base?

Back

Red litmus paper turns blue when placed in a base.

Front

What is the characteristic taste of acids?

Back

Acids typically have a sour taste.

Front

What is the characteristic taste of bases?

Back

Bases typically have a bitter taste and feel slippery.

Front

What is a strong acid?

Back

A strong acid is one that completely dissociates in water, releasing all of its protons (H+). Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Front

What is a weak acid?

Back

A weak acid is one that partially dissociates in water, releasing some but not all of its protons (H+). Examples include acetic acid (CH3COOH) and citric acid.