Acids and Bases Flashcards
What are Acids?
Acids are sour. They are also dangerous. They contain hydrogen ions, the more hydrogen ions the stronger the acid is. the amount of acids in a substance is called acidity. They contain the red spot on the pH scale. A pH of 0 is highly acidic and dangerous, a pH of 6 is safe (Milk)
What is pH?
pH can be tested with litmus paper. The pH scale is divided into two parts, The red section is for acids (0-6) and the blue section is for basses (8-14). The pH of 7 is considered neutral.
What are bases
Basses are bitter. They contain hydroxide ions, The more hydroxide ions the stronger the base is. The base is also called Alkaline (Alkalinity). They have a blue spot on the pH scale.
What is the plant pH and how does it affect them?
Plant pH is present in the soil. Plants usually prefer slightly acidic soil (from pH 6.5 to 7). If the soil of a plant is highly acidic, aluminium and magnese start to form, they are toxic for the plants. If the soil is highly Alkaline, minerals such as calcium, phosphorous and magnesium are not found.
What is the pH impact on fish
Fish usually prefer natural pH of 6-8, but can survive in a ph of 5.5 to 9. The pH of the water directly affects the fish. The most pH tolerant fish is the trout, it can survive at a pH of 4.5 to 9.5.
What is the pH impact on Amphibians?
Amphibians are more sensitive to pH than fish. They prefer a pH close to neutral and don’t survive below a pH of 5. Acidic water has negative effects on hatching.
How do the acids and bases in our body control? What do they affect?
Digestion - It is important for acids to be present in our body for digestion. The stomach secrets hydraulic acid and acidity is necessary for the protein to be digested. The mucus lining in the stomach is present for protection.
Heartburn - Spicy foods/stress and poor diet can cause acidity. The ulcer can occur when the mucus lining in the stomach is damaged. Heartburn is caused by stomach acid breaking into the oesophagus.
Blood pH - Blood pH is controlled by breathing. When we hold our breath CO2 is released, which is slightly acidic, when we hyperventilate there is less CO2 in the body which makes it more alkaline.
What is the importance of Acid-base balance?
The blood needs the right amount of acidic and alkaline compounds. Kidneys and lungs work to make this happen. Slight changes can have effects on vital organs. Blood is slightly basic and the average pH of blood is 7.4.
What is acidosis?
Acidosis occurs when there are too many acids in the body. It can be caused by - smoking, diabetes, heart/liver failure etc.
What is Alkalosis?
Alkalosis is when there the body fluids have too much alkalinity. It can be caused by - Hyperventilation. Altitude etc.
What is the role of the lungs in the body to control acids and bases?
To control blood pH the body releases CO2. CO2 is mildly acidic and is a waste product in our body. Our brain works to regulate the amount of CO@ that is exhaled.
What is the role of the kidney in the body to control pH?
The kidney controls this by excreting excess acids and bases. Has some ability to alter the amount of acid/base that is excreted
What is the role of the buffer system in controlling body pH?
The Buffer system acts as a gourd against sudden change to acidity and alkalinity. It contains the bodies naturally occurring weak acids and bases. The acids and bases in the buffer system exist in pairs that are in balance under normal pH conditions.
The most important pH buffer system in blood involves carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions.
