Table of Contents
What are Acids and Bases?
Acids and Bases: An acid is a molecule that can donate a proton (H+) to a base. A base is a molecule that can accept a proton from an acid. When an acid and base interact, they form a salt and water.
Acid-Base Theories
There are three main acid-base theories: the Arrhenius, the Bronsted-Lowry, and the Lewis.
- The Arrhenius theory is the oldest and simplest of the three. It states that acids are substances that dissolve in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+), and bases are substances that dissolve in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-).
- The Bronsted-Lowry theory is an extension of the Arrhenius theory. It states that acids are proton (H+) donors, and bases are proton acceptors.
- The Lewis theory is the most recent and most comprehensive of the three. It states that acids are electron-pair acceptors, and bases are electron-pair donors.
Arrhenius Theory of Acids and Bases
The Arrhenius theory of acids and bases provides a simple explanation for the behavior of these substances. According to this theory, acids are substances that dissociate in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+), while bases are substances that dissociate to produce hydroxide ions (OH-).
Arrhenius Acids and Bases
Arrhenius acids and bases are substances that dissociate in water to form hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-), respectively. Acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors. Arrhenius acids and bases are the simplest definition of acids and bases and are still used in many introductory chemistry texts.
Arrhenius Base
An Arrhenius base is a chemical that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution. It is named after the Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius.
Bronsted Theory of Acids and Bases
A proton (H+) is transferred from an acid to a base.
- The acid donates a proton (H+) to the base.
- The base accepts a proton (H+) from the acid.
Bronsted Lowry Acid
A Brønsted Lowry acid is a proton donor.
Bronsted Lowry Base
A Bronsted Lowry base is a molecule that can donate a proton (H+) to another molecule. The proton is transferred from the base to the molecule that is being acidified.
Lewis Concept of Acids and Bases
The Lewis concept of acids and bases is based on the idea that an acid is a molecule that donates a proton (H+) to a base. A base is a molecule that accepts a proton from an acid.
pH of Acids and Bases
The pH of an acid is the measure of its acidity. The pH of a base is the measure of its alkalinity. Acids have a pH of less than 7, while bases have a pH of greater than 7.
Properties of Acids and Bases
- An acid is a molecule or ion that can donate a proton (H+) to another molecule or ion. A base is a molecule or ion that can accept a proton from another molecule or ion.
- Acids and bases are often compared in terms of their strength. The strength of an acid or base is determined by its ability to dissociate in water. The stronger the acid or base, the more easily it dissociates in water.
- The pH scale is used to measure the strength of acids and bases. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Acids have a pH below 7, while bases have a pH above 7.
Properties of Bases
- A base is a compound that can accept protons from a acid to form a salt.
- Bases are also compounds that can produce OH− ions in water.
- They usually have a bitter taste.
- Bases are usually white or colorless.
- Some bases are soluble in water, while others are not.
Neutral Substances
Non-toxic, non-reactive, and non-irritating substances that are neither acidic nor alkaline.
Uses of Acids and Bases
Acids and bases used in a variety of applications. Some common uses of acids and bases include:
- Making food products such as pickles and mustard
- Cleaning products such as bleach and ammonia
- Metalworking fluids
- Pharmaceuticals
Uses of Acids
Acids used in a variety of ways. Here are a few:
- make a sour taste in food
- To make cleaning products more effective
- lower the pH of water so that it is more acidic
- To dissolve rocks and other minerals
- help extract metals from ores
Uses of Bases
There are many uses of bases in everyday life. A few examples are as follows:
- Bases used in making soap.
- Used in making detergents.
- Also used in making fertilizer.
- Used in making paints.
- They generally used in making plastics.
