Acids, bases & salts - basics Flashcards
Define an acid
All acids release H+ ions in aqueous solution.
What happens when HCl is added to water?
HCl ionises and releases protons into the solution.
HCl + aq -> H+ + Cl-
Define a base
All bases accept H+ ions.
Define an alkali
A soluble base that dissolves in water, releasing OH- ions.
What happens when NaOH is added to water?
The alkali NaOH ionises and releases hydroxide ions into the solution.
NaOH + aq -> Na+ + OH-
What happens during a neutralisation reaction?
A base neutralises the H+ of an acid to form water.
H+ (aq) + OH- (aq) -> H2O (l)
What is a salt?
A salt is a compound formed from an acid, when a H+ ion from the acid has been replaced by a metal ion or another positive ion, such as the ammonium ion, NH4+.
Acid + metal carbonate
salt + carbon dioxide + water
What is responsible for the reactions of acids?
The H+ ion
What makes an acid a strong acid?
When it dissolves, all the molecules dissociate to release H+ ions.
What makes an acid a weak acid?
When it dissolves, only a small proportion of the molecules dissociate to release H+ ions.
What makes a base a strong base?
When it dissolves, all the molecules dissociate to release OH- ions.
What makes a base a weak base?
When it dissolves, only a small proportion of the molecules dissociate to release OH- ions.
