Unit 1-Lesson 2 Acids. Bases, and Buffers Flashcards
What ionization?
Ionization: occurs when 2 water molecules break apart into a hydronium ion H3O+ and a hydroxide ion OH-
How can you classify whether a substance is Basic or Acidic?
A substance that releases H+ ions in a solution is an Acid
A substance that releases OH- ions in solution is a Base
What is a Acid?
Acid: any substances that dissociates to form H3O+ (hydronium) ions when dissolved in water
List the properties of an Acid
- sour taste
- Conducts electricity
- Turns blue Litmus paper red
What is a Base?
Base: any substance that dissociates to for OH- (hydroxide) ions
What are the 2 ways that a substance can dissociate to form OH- ions?
Ionic bases containing OH- ions such as NaOH dissociate in water directly
Others need to combine with water in order to create OH- ions
What happens when you mix equal amounts of hydronium and hydroxide?
Water is formed
What is Neutralization?
Neutralization: the reaction of an acid and a base to produce water and a salt
What are the properties of a Base?
- Bitter taste
- Slippery
- Turns red Litmus paper blue
What is a Buffer?
Buffers: chemical systems containing a substance that can donate H+ ions when they are needed, and remove them when they are too many
What is the most important buffer in human extracellular fluid and blood?
Carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer
How can you speed up the Carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer?
With the help of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase
What are the symptoms of Acidosis?
- A pH below 7.35
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Increased breathing
- Headaches
- Confusion
If severe can lead to coma and death
What are the symptoms of Alkalosis?
- A pH above 7.45
- Confusion
- Hand tremors
- Lightheadness
- Muscle twitching
- Nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling in the face
If severe can lead to coma and death
