Acids and bases Flashcards
Q: What is an acid?
A substance that donates hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution.
What is a base
A substance that donates hydroxide ions (OH-) or accepts hydrogen ions in a solution
Name three common properties of acids.
Sour taste, react with metals to produce hydrogen gas, turn blue litmus
red.
Name three common properties of bases.
Bitter taste, slippery feel, turn red litmus blue.
What is the pH scale?
What is the pH scale?
What is the pH of a neutral substance?
7 (e.g., pure water).
What pH range do acids fall into?
Less than 7.
What pH range do bases fall into?
Greater than 7.
What ion is associated with acids?
H⁺ (hydrogen ion).
What ion is associated with bases?
OH⁻ (hydroxide ion).
Is lemon juice an acid or base? Why?
Acid – it contains citric acid and has a sour taste.
Is ammonia (NH₃) an acid or a base?
Base – it increases OH⁻ concentration in solution.
Name one acid found in the stomach.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl).
What common base is found in soap?
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Give an example of a neutral substance.
Distilled water.
Is vinegar acidic or basic? What is its main acid?
Acidic – contains acetic acid.
Is baking soda an acid or a base?
Base – it's sodium bicarbonate.
What acid is found in soft drinks?
Carbonic acid or phosphoric acid.
Why do antacids relieve heartburn?
They are basic and neutralize excess stomach acid.
What base is commonly found in bleach?
Sodium hypochlorite (a strong base).
What is a chemical indicator?
A substance that changes color depending on the pH of a solution.
What color does litmus paper turn in an acid?
Red.
What color does litmus paper turn in a base?
Blue.
What color is phenolphthalein in a base?
Pink.
What is neutralization?
A chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces a salt and
water.
What is the product of HCl + NaOH?
NaCl (salt) + H₂O (water).
What is a titration?
A lab method to determine the concentration of an acid or base by
neutralization.
What is the endpoint in a titration?
The point at which the acid and base have completely reacted
(neutralization is achieved).
Why are strong acids dangerous?
They can cause burns and damage tissue due to their high concentration
of H⁺ ions.
What’s the difference between a strong and a weak acid?
Strong acids completely dissociate in water (e.g., HCl), while weak acids
only partially dissociate (e.g., acetic acid).
