Difference Between Acids and Bases

An acid is a compound that ionizes in water and whose hydrogen ions (H+) are more active than water. Acids can release protons and can be divided into strong acids and weak acids depending on the degree of ionization in water.

In contrast, bases are molecules that can accommodate or accept protons or hydrogen ions (H+). Bases are also called alkali metals and are classified as strong or weak bases based on their ability to dissociate in water. Thus, when a base is dissolved in water, it also releases hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution.

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Physical properties

• Acids can exist as solids, liquids, or gases and have a sour taste.
• The bases are usually slippery to the touch and taste slightly bitter.

Decomposes in water

• When acids mix with water, they release hydrogen ions (H+).
• Bases release hydroxide ions (OH-) when mixed with water.

Neutralization reaction

• Acids and bases react with each other in a neutralization reaction to form salt and water.

Example

• Common acids include acetic acid (CH3COOH), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
• Examples of the base include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), ammonia (NH 3 ) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ).

Importance of acids and bases

Acids and bases are vital in a variety of areas, including:

• Chemistry: Acids and bases are used in chemical reactions, pH adjustment, and titration.
• Biology: Acids and bases play a vital role in maintaining pH balance in living organisms.
• Industry: Acids and bases are used to produce a variety of products such as fertilizers, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

property	acid	base
definition	Substances that donate protons (H+) in solution	Substances that accept protons (H+) or donate hydroxide ions (OH-)
taste	Sour	Bitter and slippery
Physical condition	See more : Optical Illusion: Can you spot the hidden Broccoli within 14 secs to prove your strong eye power? Can be solid, liquid or gas	Usually solid or liquid
pH	pH less than 7	pH greater than 7
Touchstone	Turn blue litmus paper red	Turn red litmus paper blue
Dissociation in water	Release H+ ions	Release OH- ions
strength	Strong acids decompose completely in water (e.g. HCl)	See more : Puzzle for IQ Test: Only Detective Brains Can Spot the Word Busy in 10 Secs Strong bases completely dissociate in water (e.g. NaOH)
Neutralization reaction	Reacts with base to form salt and water	Reacts with acid to form salt and water
Common Examples	Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4)	Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
use	Used in food preservation, battery production, cleaning agents	Used in soaps, cleaning products and as an antacid

Acids and bases are two different chemical substances with unique properties and characteristics. Knowing the difference between acids and bases is essential to understanding chemical processes and reactions in various fields. By mastering the concepts of acids and bases, students can gain a deeper understanding of chemistry and its applications in the real world.

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Category: Optical Illusion