Free Chemistry Tutorial - Basics of Acid and Bases
You have commonly heard about the terms 'Acid and Bases' . So, in this article I am explaining the basics of two substances acids and bases such as their characteristics, uses and reactions with other substances.
Just ask a school pupil the meaning of acid and base. The pupil replies that 'anything that tastes sour is acid, and any substance that tastes bitter is 'base'. We often identify these substances by tasting them. Acid is a substance consisting of hydrogen ions (H+) and is capable of giving a proton to another substance. A base is another substance that can accept a hydrogen ion (H+) or a proton from another substance. Acids contain particles that are capable of producing hydrogen. Whereas bases contain particles that produce hydroxide, Acids are usually labelled as concentrated substances, whereas bases are known as milder substances. Whenever any burning is caused to the skin or irritation, basic substances are applied to the skin to neutralise the effect. For example, when an ant bites a person, formic acid is released and causes a stingy or burning sensation. Then, a calamine solution is applied to the skin to neutralise the effect.Differences between acid and base
Acid is a chemical compound, and when it is dissolved in water, it produces a solution containing hydrogen ions. A base is basically a substance that can absorb the ions of hydrogen.
Acids are in a solid, liquid, or gaseous state, whereas bases are solid in nature and feel slippery.
Acid turns blue litmus red, whereas bases turn red litmus blue. Acids do not change the colour of red litmus paper. Bases do not change the colour of blue litmus paper.
When acid is mixed with water, it releases the ions of hydrogen. When bases are mixed with water, they release hydroxide ions (OH-).
The pH value of acid is usually less than 7.0, but the pH value of base is more than 7.0.
Acids usually produce a burning sensation on your skin as they are concentrated. But basic substances usually feel slippery and are usually soothing to the skin. They usually dissolve the fatty acids and oils in your skin. Whenever you suffer from skin inflammation or irritation, you apply basic solutions to neutralise the effect.
Acids are used to manufacture products such as fertilisers, drainage cleaners, preservatives, aspirin, etc. Bases are used in producing products such as paper, toothpaste, rayon, cleaning powder, whitewash, etc. Both are used as cleansers, but acids are also used to kill germs or hard-stained areas. Bases are used as mild cleansers.
According to Lewis' definition, acids are substances that accept electrons, and bases are substances that give electrons. Examples of acids and bases
Examples of acids are sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, carbonic acid, etc. They are present in substances such as vinegar, lemon, carbonated soda, citric fruits, battery acid, etc. Examples of bases are baking soda, potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, strontium hydroxide, etc. The substances known as bases are toothpaste, milk, soaps, etc.
As far as I understand, the subject (acid and base) is taught in lower-class Chemistry. So, instead of writing 'Free Tutorial of Physics' as the title, the author may consider writing 'Free Tutorial of Chemistry'.
The author has explained the subject in a lucid manner which would be helpful for students who are weak in Chemistry.