Acids and Bases

Front

What is the pH scale?

Back

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

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 happens to blue litmus paper in an acid?

Back

Blue litmus paper turns red when it comes into contact with an acid.

Front

What happens to red litmus paper in a base?

Back

Red litmus paper turns blue when it comes into contact with a base.

Front

What is a neutral solution?

Back

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

Front

What is the pH of pure water?

Back

The pH of pure water is 7, indicating it is neutral.

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 partially dissociates in water, meaning not all of its protons (H+) are released. An example is acetic acid (CH3COOH).

Front

What is a strong base?

Back

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