Chemistry Essentials for Dummies
Chapter 11. Acids and Bases
In This Chapter
· Discovering the properties of acids and bases
· Finding out about the acid-base theory
· Differentiating between strong and weak acids and bases
· Understanding indicators
· Taking a look at the pH scale
Walk into any kitchen or bathroom, and you find a multitude of acids and bases. Open the refrigerator, and you find soft drinks full of carbonic acid. In the pantry, you find vinegar and baking soda, an acid and a base. Peek under the sink, and you notice the ammonia and other cleaners, most of which are bases. Check out that can of lye-based drain opener — it’s highly basic. In the medicine cabinet, you find aspirin, an acid, and antacids of all types. Your everyday world is full of acids and bases — and so is the everyday world of the industrial chemist. In this chapter, I cover acids and bases, indicators and pH, and some good basic chemistry.
Observing Properties of Acids and Bases
Table 11-1 lists the properties of acids and bases that you can observe in the world around you.
Table 11-1. Properties of Acids and Bases
Property |
Acid |
Base |
Taste (but remember: in the lab, you test, not taste!) |
Sour |
Bitter |
Feel on the skin |
Produces a painful sensation |
Feels slippery |
Reactions |
Reacts with certain metals (magnesium, zinc, and iron) to produce hydrogen gas Reacts with limestone and baking soda to produce carbon dioxide |
Reacts with oils and greases React with acids to produce a salt and water |
Reaction with litmus paper |
Turns the paper red |
Turns the paper blue |