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.

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

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)

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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