Acids and Bases

Front

What is an acid?

Back

An acid is a substance that donates protons (H+) in a solution 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 solution 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 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

Front

What is a neutral solution?

Back

A neutral solution has a pH of 7, meaning it is neither acidic nor basic.

Front

What happens to blue litmus paper in an acidic solution?

Back

Blue litmus paper turns red in an acidic solution.

Front

What happens to red litmus paper in a basic solution?

Back

Red litmus paper turns blue in a basic solution.

Front

What is phenolphthalein used for?

Back

Phenolphthalein is an indicator that turns pink in basic solutions and is colorless in acidic or neutral solutions.

Front

What is a strong acid?

Back

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

Front

What is a weak acid?

Back

A weak acid is an acid that partially dissociates in water, releasing some but not all of its protons (H+). Examples include CH3COOH and H2CO3.

Front

What is the effect of adding a base to an acid?

Back

Adding a base to an acid neutralizes the acid, resulting in a solution with a pH closer to 7.