Topic 2: Acids and Bases

Question 1

Are acids and bases organic or inorganic?

Answer 1

They can be either or

Question 2

What are acids?

Answer 2

• dissociates in water, releasing H+ ions
• A higher concentration of H+ means lower pH
• ex. hydrochloric acid (HCl) in H2O –> H+ + Cl-

Question 3

What are bases? (3)

Answer 3

• substances that bind free H+ ions in H2O
• a lower [H+] means higher pH
  ex. NaOH in H2O -> Na+ + OH- (hydroxyl ion), then OH-(base) + H+ -> H2O
• OH- act as bases by binding to the free H+ ions
  note that neutralization occurs

Question 4

What is the pH scale? (2)

Answer 4

• characterized by the concentration of free H+ in solution
• as concentration increases, the solution goes from basic to acidic
  ex. pH of blood is 7.35-7.45