ACIDS, BASES, & SALTS

ACIDSContain hydrogen ions, H+ also called hydronium ions, H3O+

Taste sour (remember not to taste chemicals as a rule)Dangerous to skinFormed from hydrogen and a non metal

Acids - ExamplesHydrochloric acid HCl – cleans metals; stomach acidNitric acid HNO3 – component of fertilizerSulfuric acid H2SO4 – car batteries; plastics. This is the single most produced chemical.

Acids - Examples

Lactic acid HC3H5O3 – milk, muscle crampsCitric or Ascorbic acid HC6H7O7 – fruit juice, flavored candyCarbonic acid H2CO3 – soda popAcetic acid HC2H3O2 – vinegar, photographic chemicals

Bases, Alkalines, AntacidsContain hydroxide ions OH-

Taste bitterFeel slippery because they dissolve the fats in skinGood grease cleanersContain a metal and a hydroxide group

Bases - ExamplesAmmonium hydroxide NH4OH – ammonia, found in many cleanersSodium hydroxide NaOH – lye, most common base, found in soap and drain cleanerMagnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 – milk of magnesiaCalcium hydroxide Ca(OH)2 – lime water, found in cementSodium bicarbonate NaHCO3 – baking soda, component of antacids

IndicatorsAn indicator is a chemical that changes color to show whether a solution is an acid or base.

Examples of IndicatorsLitmus

Red in an AcidBlue in a Base

PhenolphthaleinClear in an AcidPink in a Base

There are many, many others.

Litmus PaperOn the left in KOH and on the right in HCl.

PhenolphthaleinOn the left in an acid and on the right in a

base.

Bromothymol BlueOn the left in an acid and on the right in a

base.

pHHow strong is that acid

or base?