Acids and Bases

Acids are substances which ionize in water to produce hydrogen ions as their only
positive ions.
Acids can mainly be divided into organic acids and inorganic acids.
Organic acids are also known as naturally occurring acids. Some of these acids
include Ethanoic Acid/ Ascorbic Acid/Citric Acids, which can be found in vinegar,
vitamin c and citrus fruits respectively.
Inorganic acids are also known as man-made acids or mineral acids. Some of these
acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid as well as nitric acid.
All acids contain hydrogen ions however not all hydrogen-containing compounds are
acids, for example Ch4 methane, as well as Nh3, Ammonia. This is because not all
hydrogen-containing compounds ionize in water to give hydrogen ions.
Hence, the strength of an acid is dependent on the extent of its ionization in water.
For strong acids, acid molecules ionize completely in water to give hydrogen ions.
However, for weak acids, only some acid molecules ionize partially to give hydrogen
ions.
A strong acid ionizes/dissociates completely in water to produce hydrogen ions,
while a weak acid ionizes/ dissociates partially in water to produce hydrogen ions.
The concentration of an acid refers to the amount of dissolved acid in an acid
solution.
An acid solution with more dissolved acid is known as a concentrated acid solution.
An acid solution with less dissolved acid is known as a dilute solution.
Most acid solutions used in laboratorys are generally dilute.
There are 3 main reactions for acids.
Acids + Metal Hydrogen Gas and Salt
Acids can react with reactive metals to give hydrogen gas and a salt.
Metals that can react with acid must be above hydrogen in the reactivity series.
Potassium, Aluminium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium CarbonZinc Iron Tin Lead
HydrogenCopper, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Metals below hydrogen in the reactivity series can be displaced through the use of
hydrogen gas.

Metals below carbon in the reactivity series can be displaced through the use of
carbon dioxide.
Efferverscence of a colourless, odourless gas which extinguishes a lighted splint
with a pop sound is observed Gas present is Hydrogen
Acid + Carbonate Salt + Carbon Dioxide + Water
Acids react with all carbonates to give salt carbon dioxide and water
Bubble the colourless, odourless gas into a test-tube containing aqueous calcium
hydroxide/ limewater white precipitate is formed Carbon dioxide gas is present
Acid + Metal Oxide/ Hydroxide Salt and water
This process is also known as Neutralisation.
Neutralization refers to the combination of hydrogen and hydroxide ions to form salt
and water molecules.
Properties of Acids
Acids have a sour taste.
Acids dissolve in water to produce hydrogen ions.
Acids conduct electricity in molten state due to the presence of free moving
hydrogen ions which act as charge carriers.
Uses of Acids
Hydrochloric Acid Processing of Leather
-

Cleaning of Metals

Sulphuric Acid Manufacturing fertilisers

-

Manufacturing Detergents
Manufacturing battery acids

Acetic Acid/ Ethanoic Acid

-

Vinegar to preserve food

Making of adhesives such as glue

Bases and Alkalis

Bases refer to all metal oxides or hydroxides.
Bases that are soluble in water refer to alkalis.

Insoluble bases include zinc oxide, lead(ii) oxide as well as copper oxide.
Soluble metal oxides such as Sodium oxide ionizes in water to give sodium
hydroxide.
Examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide ,potassium
hydroxide, barium hydroxide and aqueous ammonia.
Properties of Bases
Base + Acid Salt + water
Neutralisation process.