Acids Bases and Salts

Acids
An acid is a substance that produces hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.
All acids contain hydrogen. But not all substances with hydrogen contain acids
(Water).
The hydrogen ions produced are responsible for the properties of an acid.
A strong acid is one that is completely ionized in water (eg HCl) whereas a weak acid
is only partially ionized in water
o Strong acids: Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Carbonic acid,
Sulphurous acid, Phosphoric acid
o Weak acids: Ethanoic acid, Methanoic acid, Lactic acid, Citric acid
Properties
Acids have a sour taste eg vinegar
Acids are electrolytes because they dissolve in water to form ions which conduct
electricity.
Acids turn blue litmus paper red.
pH value < 7.
If concentrated they can be corrosive
Common Acids
Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
Nitric Acid (HNO3)
Ethanoic Acid (Found in vinegar) (CH3COOH)
Chemical properties of Acids
1. Acids react with reactive metals to form hydrogen gas and a salt.
Formula: Metal + Acid Salt + Hydrogen
Reactive metals give out electrons easily to form positive ions.
Example: Magnesium Ribbon with Dilute sulphuric acid. Equation:

o Mg (s) + (H2SO4) (aq) MgSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)

To test for hydrogen, place a lighted splint at the test tube and a pop
sound will be heard.
Some acid and metal reactions which do not give hydrogen:
o Unreactive metals (copper and silver)
o Concentrated nitric acid reacts with metals but it does not give hydrogen
(gives nitrogen dioxide)
o Lead does not react as a coating is formed once lead is placed inside the acid.
2. Acids react with carbonates to form a salt, carbon dioxide and water.
Equation: Acid + Carbonate Salt + Carbon Dioxide + Water
Example: Sodium Carbonate + Dilute hydrochloric acid Sodium Chloride + Water
+ Carbon Dioxide
Bubble the gas through limewater to test for carbon dioxide.
3. Acids react with metal oxides and hydroxides (Insoluble bases) to form salt and
water.
General Equations:
Metal Oxide + Acid Salt and Water.
Metal Hydroxide + Acid Salt and Water
Acidity and Water
Acids only react when placed into water.
This is because water can break apart the acid into hydrogen ions and a salt.
Therefore, an acid dissociate in water to produce hydrogen ions which are responsible
for the acidic properties.
Acids only show their properties when dissolved in water.
The hydrogen ions produced are not hydrogen gas.
They react with metals like magnesium to produce hydrogen gas and magnesium ions.
A few drops of water is enough to allow an acid to dissociate.
Uses of acids
Sulphuric Acid:
o Detergents

o Car Batteries
Ethanoic Acid:
o Vinegar to preserve food
o Adhesives (glue)
Hydrochloric acid
o Cleaning metals
o Leather processing
Bases
Bases are metal oxides and hydroxides
A base contains either oxide ions, O2-, or hydroxide ions, OH-.
Soluble bases are known as alkalis
A base is a substance that reacts with an acid to give salt and water only --neutralization reaction
Acid + Base Salt and Water
Similar to: Acid + Metal Oxide/Hydroxide Salt and Water.
Ionic Equation for this is always:
OH- + H+ H2O (l)

Common Bases
Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

 Copper (II) Oxide (CuO)

Magnesium Hydroxide Mg(OH)2
Aluminum Hydroxide Al(OH)3
Alkalis
An alkali is a base that is soluble in water.
Some examples include:
o Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
o Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)
o Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
o Barium Hydroxide (Ba(OH)2)
o Aqueous Ammonia (NH3)
Properties of Alkalis
Alkalis have a bitter taste and soapy feel.
Alkalis turn red litmus paper blue.
pH value > 7
Chemical properties of Acids
1. All alkalis produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.
Example: Sodium Hydroxide + Water Sodium Ion + Hydroxide ion.
2. All alkalis react with acids to form salt and water only.
This is also known as neutralization.
In neutralization, the hydrogen ions from the acid react with the
hydroxide ions of the alkali
Neutralization reactions are exothermic
The salt depends on the acid used.
Sulphuric Acid Sulphide
Hydrochloric Acid Chloride
The ionic equation for this is standardized.

 H+ (aq) + OH- (aq) H2O (l).

3. Alkalis heated with ammonium salts gives off ammonia gas.
General Equation: Alkali + Ammonium Salt Ammonia + Water + Salt.
Ammonia has a strong smell and turn red litmus paper blue.
Example: Calcium hydroxide + Ammonium chloride Calcium Chloride + Water +
Ammonia.
4. Alkalis can react with the solution of 1 metal salt to give metal hydroxide and
another metal salt.
General Equation: Alkali + Salt (of metal A) Metal Hydroxide + Salt (of metal B)
Example: Sodium Hydroxide + Iron (II) Sulphate Iron (II) Hydroxide + Sodium
Sulphate.
Uses of Neutralization
Soil treatment farming
Most plants grow best at pH 7. If the soil is acidic or alkaline the plant may grow
badly.
Common treatments use quicklime (calcium oxide) or chalk (calcium carbonate).
. Indigestion
We all have hydrochloric acid in our stomach - it helps breakdown food
Therefore, to cure this ailment we need to neutralize the acid with a base such as,
sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda), or an indigestion tablet.
Insect stings
A bee sting contains acid.
To relieve the painful symptoms of the sting we need to neutralize the acid. By
rubbing on calamine lotion (zinc carbonate) or baking soda the acid can be
neutralized.
Wasp stings are alkaline, hence acid is needed to neutralize and remove the painful
sting.
Vinegar (ethanoic acid) is used.
Uses of alkalis
Ammonia Solution:

o Window cleaning solutions

Calcium Oxide:
o To make iron, concrete, cement
Magnesium Hydroxide:
o Toothpaste to neutralise acid o teeth
o In antacids to relieve indigestion.
Sodium Hydroxide:
o In making soaps and detergents.

Types of Oxides
Acidic oxides

Oxides of non-metals
Dissolve in water to give acids
React with bases to give a salt and water
Eg. carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, phosphorus(V) oxide

Amphoteric
oxides

Oxides of metals react with both acids and alkalis to form salt and
water
Eg zinc oxide, aluminium oxide, lead(II) oxide

Basic oxides

Oxides of metals
Some dissolve in water to give alkalis
React with acids to give a salt and water
Eg. ammonia, calcium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide

Neutral oxides

Oxides of non-metals
Do not react with acids or bases
Eg carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, water