DESCRIBING ACIDS ANDBASES

PROPERTIES OF ACIDS Acids are compounds whose characteristic properties include the kinds of reactions they undergo. Properties:

a. tastes sourb. reacts with metals and carbonatesc. turns blue litmus paper red.

Common acids are hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, and acetic acid.

SOUR TASTE Example: tasting a lemon.Citrus foods like grapefruits and

oranges are acidic. Although sour taste is a

characteristic of acids, scientists never taste chemicals in order to identify them.

REACTIONS WITH METALS Acids react with certain metals (magnesium, zinc, iron) to produce hydrogen gas.This reaction is why acids are described as corrosive.Corrosive: The way in which acids react with some metals so as to eat away the metal.Acids are used in a process called etching, Hydrochloric acid eats away metal to form designs.

REACTIONS WITH CARBONATES

One product of an acid’s reaction with carbonates is the gas carbon dioxide.Geologists use this property to identify rocks containing limestone.

REACTIONS WITH INDICATORS

Indicator: a compound that changes color when in contact with an acid or a base.Vinegar, lemon juice, and other acids turn blue litmus paper red.

PROPERTIES OF BASESBase-Another group of compounds that can be identified by their common properties

a. Tastes bitterb. Feels slipperyc. Turns red litmus paper blue

Opposite of acidsCommon Bases are sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and ammonia.

BITTER TASTEAlthough bases are bitter, you wouldn’t want to identify them by doing a taste test.An example of a base is soap.

SLIPPERY FEELA slippery feeling is another characteristic of bases.Just as you avoid tasting a substance to identify it, you wouldn’t want to touch it.Strong bases can irritate or burn your skin.

REACTIONS WITH INDICATORS

Litmus paper is a safe, reliable test for acids and bases.Bases turn red litmus paper blue.An easy way to remember which color litmus turns for acids or bases is to remember the letter b. Bases turn litmus paper blue.

OTHER REACTIONS OF BASES

Unlike acids, bases don’t react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide.Another important property of bases is how they react with acids.

USES OF ACIDS AND BASES

Manufacturers, farmers, and builders are only some of the people who depend on acids and bases in their work. Acids are used:

a. in foodb. to clean brick and metalsc. to treat iron and steeld. to make fertilizers

Bases are used:a. To make household cleaning productsb. to produce carbon dioxide in baked goodsc. to make mortar and cement.

BY, EDDIE BORODIC

BRIANNA LUBRANOEMILY MUGNO

CHRISTINA NOLL