Acids, Bases, & the pH Scale

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What are acids?

Back

Substances that typically taste sour, turn blue litmus paper red, and produce hydrogen ions (H+) in water.

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What is the pH scale?

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A scale that measures how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic), with 7 being neutral.

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What pH level represents a neutral solution?

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pH 7.

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What is a strong acid?

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An acid that completely dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

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What is a weak acid?

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An acid that partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Examples include acetic acid (CH3COOH) and citric acid.

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What are bases?

Back

Substances that typically taste bitter, feel slippery, turn red litmus paper blue, and produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in water.

Front

What is a strong base?

Back

A base that completely dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-). Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

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What is a weak base?

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A base that partially dissociates in water, resulting in a lower concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-). Examples include ammonia (NH3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3).

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What is acid rain?

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Rain that has a lower pH than normal due to the presence of sulfuric and nitric acids, often resulting from pollution.

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How does the pH of a solution relate to its acidity or basicity?

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A lower pH indicates a higher acidity, while a higher pH indicates a higher basicity.