An Introduction to Acid and Base
Acids and bases are chemical forms that play an important function in chemistry and here we are going to discuss difference between acid and base. Citric acid and lactic acid, found in lemons and cheese, respectively, are examples of acids. Cleaning agents such as chlorine bleach are examples of bases.
Three sets of theories, Arrhenius, Brnsted, and Lewis, have contributed to the evolution of acid and base definitions over time. Amphoterism refers to substances that operate as both acids and bases; water is the most famous example of amphoterism because it works as both an acid and a base.
The following article will describe the definitions and difference between acid and base.
What is an Acid?
Acids are substances that transfer a hydrogen ion (H+) to another molecule (usually called a base). Traditionally, an acid was understood to be a chemical molecule that, when dissolved in water, yields a solution with greater hydrogen ion activity than pure water.
What is a Base?
On the other hand, a base that is soluble in nature is called an alkali. When volatile liquids (acids) are combined with particular compounds, salts are produced. The generated salts would form a concrete base, hence their designation as bases. Bases are typically H+ acceptors while acids are H+ donors. There are some examples of bases such as alkaline metal hydroxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, and soap.
Differences Between Acid and Base
| Basis | Acid | Base |
| Definition | An acid is any chemical substance that, when dissolved in water, generates a solution with higher hydrogen ion activity than pure water. | A base is an aqueous compound capable of absorbing hydrogen ions. |
| Strength | Depends on the hydronium ion concentration. | Relies on the hydroxide ion concentration. |
| Examples | Acetic acid and sulphuric acid | Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and Ammonia |
| Characteristics (Physical) | Acids might appear as solids, liquids, or gases.It would also be sour in taste. | In nature, bases would feel slick and substantial (except for ammonia, which is gaseous). It would be bitter in taste. |
| Disassociation | When acids are combined with water, hydrogen ions (H+) are released. | When bases are combined with water, hydroxide ions (OH-) are released. |
| Test with Litmus | Would turn blue litmus paper to red | Would change red litmus to blue |
| pH Value | pH value of acid are less than 7.0 | pH value of base is greater than 7.0 |
Conclusion
Consequently, acids and bases are essential compounds that can be identified by their chemical properties. The concept of acid and base is the foundation of chemistry, as these substances are utilized in various contexts. This article discusses the definitions and distinctions between acids and bases.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q.1 What down 3 differences between acids and bases?
Acids
Bases
(i) Acids are sour in taste
(i) Bases are bitter in taste
(ii) They turn litmus paper in red
(ii) They turn litmus paper in blue
(iii) They do not feel soapy when touched
(iii) They feel soapy when touched
Q.2 What is the taste of the base?
Bases have a strong flavor and are found in foods less frequently than acids. Many bases, including soaps, are slippery to the touch. The colors of indicators are also altered by bases.
Q.3 Is Slippery acid or a base?
The bases have smooth surfaces. Bases are present in numerous soaps and detergents. The shampoo’s slick texture is a result of the shampoo’s base. Reactions of Bases (Base Reactions) — Unlike acids, bases do not react with metals.
Q.4 What does pH indicate?
The pH of water indicates whether it is acidic or basic. The range is from 0 to 14, with 7 representing the middle ground. A pH less than 7 implies acidity, while a pH greater than 7 suggests a base. pH is the ratio of free hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in water.
Q.5 Is blood acid or base?
The typical pH range for blood is approximately 7.35 to 7.40. Typically, the body maintains a blood pH close to 7.40. The acid-base balance of a patient is determined by testing the blood’s pH and amounts of carbon dioxide (an acid) and bicarbonate (a base).
