Acids and Alkalis

What Are Acids?

Acids are substances that can react with other materials and usually have a sour taste.

Examples of Acids

• Vinegar

• Lemon juice

• Orange juice

Properties of Acids

• Sour in taste

• Turn blue hibiscus paper pink

• Can react with some metals

What Are Alkalis?

Alkalis are a type of base that can dissolve in water. They usually have a bitter taste and feel soapy or slippery.

Examples of Alkalis

• Baking soda solution

• Soap water

• Toothpaste

Properties of Alkalis

• Bitter in taste

• Feel slippery

• Turn red hibiscus paper blue

• Turn turmeric paper red

Acids and Alkalis Together

When an acid and an alkali are mixed, they react and neutralize each other. This is called neutralization. The reaction forms salt and water.