acids and alkalis
Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water, making the solution acidic. They have a pH less than 7. Examples include lemon juice and vinegar. Alkalis are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water, making the solution alkaline. They have a pH greater than 7. Examples include baking soda and soap. The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14. When acids and alkalis mix, they react in a neutralization process. This reaction produces salt and water. Neutral solutions have a pH of exactly 7. Indicators like litmus paper change color to show if a solution is acid or alkali. This helps us test and understand different substances.
Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water and have a pH less than 7.
Alkalis are bases that dissolve in water and release hydroxide ions (OH⁻), with a pH greater than 7.
Acids taste sour and can be corrosive, while alkalis feel slippery and can also be corrosive.
When acids and alkalis react, they undergo neutralization, forming salt and water.
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is, ranging from 0 (strong acid) to 14 (strong alkali), with 7 being neutral.
Litmus paper and other indicators change color to show if a solution is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
Bases are substances that can neutralize acids; if a base dissolves in water, it’s called an alkali.
Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid and vinegar; examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide and baking soda.
Neutralization reactions are important in everyday applications like digestion, cleaning, and agriculture.
Strong acids and alkalis are more reactive and can be hazardous, so they must be handled carefully.