Understanding Acids, Bases, and pH

Front

What is an acid?

Back

An acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution. Acids typically have a sour taste and can turn blue litmus paper red.

Front

What is a base?

Back

A base is a substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in a solution. Bases usually have a slippery feel and can turn red litmus paper blue.

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 pH value indicates a neutral solution?

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A pH value of 7 indicates a neutral solution.

Front

What is a strong acid?

Back

A strong acid is an acid that completely dissociates in water, releasing all of its hydrogen ions. Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).

Front

What is a weak acid?

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

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What is a strong base?

Back

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

Front

What is a weak base?

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

Front

What happens to litmus paper when it comes in contact with an acid?

Back

Litmus paper turns red when it comes in contact with an acid.

Front

What happens to litmus paper when it comes in contact with a base?

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Litmus paper turns blue when it comes in contact with a base.