Acids & Bases

(Molecular Explanation)
Anatomy & Physiology Group Review
Presentation
Written By: Maggie Vanmeter, Deanna Santomartino,
& George Kotee

Properties of Acids
Hydrogen ion connected
to some other ion
Proton donors
Neutralize bases
Turn litmus paper red
Corrosive
Releases hydrogen ions
pH below 7

Strength of Acids
Large degree of
ionization = strong
acid
Battery acid &
stomach acid
Small degree of
ionization = weak
acid.
Coffee & tomatoes

Properties of Bases
Hydroxide ion connected
to some other ion
Proton acceptors
Neutralize acids
Turn litmus paper blue
Slippery
Releases hydroxide ions
pH above 7

Strength of Bases
Large degree of ionization =
strong base
Bleach & drain cleaner
Small degree of ionization =
weak base
Soap & baking soda

pH Scale with Examples

Neutral pH level: Equal amount of H+ and OH- ions (pH level of 7)

What is a H+ ion & an OH- ion?

Hydrogen ion (H+): Nucleus of hydrogen atom separated
from accompanying electron
H+ made up of particle that carries positive electric
charge (proton)
Isolated hydrogen ion (H+): represents a proton
Cation: Lost 1 or more electrons (+ charge)
Hydroxide ion (OH-): negatively charged molecule made
up of one oxygen bonded to one hydrogen
When dissolved in water, strong base
Also called hydroxyl ion
Anion: Gained 1 or more electrons (- charge)

Image of H+ ion & an OH- ion

HCL & Sodium Bicarbonate in

Digestion
Sodium Bicarbonate: Naturally produced by gastric
membrane in stomach
Neutralizes high acidity of chyme (food + stomach acid)
Hydrochloric Acid: Found in gastric juices in stomach
Breaks down food & cause release of enzymes that
further aid digestion
Protects body from illness by killing pathogens
commonly found on food.

Neutralization
Reaction between an acid and base
Produces an ionic compound
(salt) and water
Combination of H+ ions &
OH- ions to generate water
More leftover H+ ions = strong acid
More leftover OH- ions = strong base

Acids & Bases in Blood

Normal pH of blood: 7.4
Any slight increase/ decrease can be
very dangerous
Too low: breathing decreases
Too high: we begin to
hyperventilate.
Effect of Soda on blood pH: Decrease
it to 7.2 (not good)
Effect of sugar on blood pH: No
change because its a molecular solid,
which means when it is dissolved in a
solution (stays in molecules)

Effects of Acid Build Up in Our

Body
Weakened connective tissue
Hair & skin lose their tone
Acid wastes stress the
kidneys
Minerals & vitamins arent
well absorbed
Impaired digestion

Effects of Acid Build Up in Our Body

(Cont)
Accumulates fat & gain
weight
Withdraws calcium from
bones, making them prone
to fracture
Disturbed sleep pattern
Death of friendly bacteria
impairs immune system

Effects of Acid Build Up in Our Body

(Cont...again)
High levels of acid in blood: Acidosis
Respiratory acidosis: Problem with lungs
Symptoms: Fatigue, shortness of breath, &
confusion
Metabolic acidosis: Problem with kidneys
Symptoms: Rapid breathing, fatigue, &
confusion.

Effects of Base Build Up in Our Body

When blood is too alkaline (high levels of
base): Alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis: Problem with lungs
Symptoms: Lack of oxygen, fever, lung, & liver
disease

Metabolic alkalosis: Problem with kidneys

Symptoms: Muscle twitching, numbness,
nausea, vomiting, & confusion

Sources
Jhawer, Maulishree. "Acid Base Dietary Balance and Its
Influence on Our Health and Wellbeing." Effects of Acid
Build Up in Our Body. Med India Network for Health, 26
June 2014. Web. 07 Sept. 2016.
"HyperPhysics." Chemistry. Georgia State University,
n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2016.
"Ion Exchange Reactions." Neutralization of an Acid
and Hydrolysis. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Sept. 2016.
"Neutralization." Chemistry Libre Texts. National
Science Foundation, 21 July 2016. Web. 07 Sept. 2016.

Sources (Cont)
Pietrangelo, Ann. "Acid-Base Balance." Health Line.
Health Line Media, 12 June 2013. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Barron, Jon. "Pancreas and Digestion." Understanding
The Pancreas & Digestive Health. Baseline of Health
Foundation, 07 Dec. 2009. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.
Schaudies, Deneen. "Role of Hydrochloric Acid in the
Stomach." LiveStrong. LiveStrong Foundation, 11 Apr.
2011. Web. 14 Sept. 2016.