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 pH?

Back

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

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 hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Front

What is a strong base?

Back

A strong base is a base that completely dissociates in water, releasing all of its hydroxide ions (OH-). Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

Front

What is a weak acid?

Back

A weak acid is an acid that partially dissociates in water, meaning not all of its protons (H+) are released. Examples include acetic acid (CH3COOH) and citric acid.

Front

What is a weak base?

Back

A weak base is a base that partially dissociates in water, meaning not all of its hydroxide ions (OH-) are released. Examples include ammonia (NH3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

Front

What happens to pH when an acid is added to water?

Back

The pH of the solution decreases, indicating an increase in acidity.

Front

What happens to pH when a base is added to water?

Back

The pH of the solution increases, indicating an increase in basicity.

Front

What is the pH of a neutral solution?

Back

The pH of a neutral solution is 7.