Acids, Bases And Buffers

Question 1

What are acids

Answer 1

Acids are compounds that dissociate in water and release H+ ions (HCI, H2CO3, H2O, CH3COOH, H2SO4) more H makes water more acidic

Question 2

What are bases

Answer 2

Compounds that dissociate in water and release OH- ions ( NaOH, KOH, H2O) more OH= basic

Question 3

What is cohesion

Answer 3

Ability for molecules to cling together and draw the same dissolved substance along with it

Question 4

What is adhesion

Answer 4

Ability for a substance to stick to other substances

Question 5

What is pH

Answer 5

The measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions

Question 6

Why do all living things need to maintain a constant pH

Answer 6

If pH changes it can cause enzymes - the chemical helpers that run the chemical reactions essential to life to denature

Question 7

What do living cells contain to keep pH from changing

Answer 7

Buffers - which is a chemical or combination of chemicals that can take up excess hydrogen ions or excess hydroxide ions

• can resist changes in pH when acid or base is added -

can be overwhelmed if more base or acid is continuously added

Common buffers ( carbonic acid-bicarbonate ion (H2CO3, HCO3-) , and acetic acid-acetate ion (CH3COOH, CH3COO-)