The document discusses the properties and characteristics of acids and bases. It explains that acids typically start with hydrogen and have a sour taste, while bases typically end with hydroxide and have a bitter taste. It also distinguishes between strong and weak acids/bases based on how fully they dissociate in water. Common uses of acids and bases are also outlined.

1. Acids
• Most acids start with the element H, hydrogen
– EX: HCl (hydrochloric acid), H2SO4 (sulfuric acid)
• Any compound that increases the number of
hydronium ions, (H+), when dissolved in water is
an acid

2. • Has sour taste (think vinegar or lemons)
• NEVER TASTE, SMELL OR TOUCH
ACIDS
• Corrosive – destroys body tissue, clothing
and other materials
• React with some metals to produce
hydrogen gas
• Conduct electricity
• Most widely made acid H2SO4

3. • Common uses of acids
• Make paper
• Paint
• Detergents
• Fertilizer
• HCl common uses
• Separating metals
• Swimming pools to stop algae

4. Bases
• Most bases end with OH-, a hydroxide ion,
when dissolved in water
• Has bitter taste and slippery feel (think
soap)
• Corrosive properties
• NEVER TASTE, SMELL OR TOUCH
BASE
• Conducts electric current

5. • Commons uses of bases
– Make soap
– Make paper
– Oven cleaner
– Drain cleaner
– Household cleaners
– Antacids (treat heartburn – rolaids or tums)

6. Strong -vs- Weak Acids
• Strong acids will have additional Hydrogen
(H+) molecules in the compound
• All of the Hydrogen molecules break apart
when dissolved in water
• EX:H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) compared to HCl
(hydrochloric acid)
• Both are very strong acids but H 2SO4
would be the strongest of the two

7. Strong -vs- Weak base
• Strong bases will have additional
hydroxide (OH-), molecules in the
compound
• All of the molecules of a base break apart
when dissolved in water and produce
hydroxide ions
• EX: NaOH (sodium hydroxide) compared
to Mg(OH)2 (Magnesium hydroxide)

8. Salts
• Large group of compounds with similar
properties
• When a reaction occurs between an acid and a
base, they neutralize each other
• When an acid neutralizes a base, salt and
water are produced
• Indicators are use to identify acids and bases

9. • pH scale is used to determine if an acid or
base is strong or weak (compared to other
acids and bases) REMEMBER ALL
ACIDS AND BASES ARE DANGEROUS
• 7 on the pH scale is neutral (H2O)
• Bases have a pH greater than 7
• Acids have a pH less than 7.