Acids and Bases Characteristics

Study Notes

Definition: A substance that donates a proton (H+ ion) in a solution
Characteristics:
- Sour taste
- Conduct electricity
- Turn litmus paper red
- React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
Examples:
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
- Nitric acid (HNO3)
- Acetic acid (CH3COOH)

Definition: A substance that accepts a proton (H+ ion) in a solution
Characteristics:
- Bitter taste
- Feel slippery to the touch
- Conduct electricity
- Turn litmus paper blue
- React with oils to produce soap
Examples:
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
- Ammonia (NH3)

Definition: A substance formed by the reaction of an acid and a base
Characteristics:
- Neutral in taste
- Neither acidic nor basic
- Formed by the reaction of an acid and a base
Examples:
- Sodium chloride (NaCl) - formed by the reaction of HCl and NaOH
- Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) - formed by the reaction of H2CO3 and Ca(OH)2

Strong acids:
- Completely dissociate in water
- Examples: HCl, H2SO4, HNO3
Weak acids:
- Partially dissociate in water
- Examples: CH3COOH, H2CO3
Strong bases:
- Completely dissociate in water
- Examples: NaOH, Ca(OH)2
Weak bases:
- Partially dissociate in water
- Examples: NH3, trimethylamine (N(CH3)3)

Biological systems: pH affects enzyme activity, protein structure, and cell function
Environmental systems: pH affects soil chemistry, water quality, and ecosystem health
Industrial applications: pH control is crucial in manufacturing processes, such as food processing and pharmaceutical production

Donate a proton (H+ ion) in a solution
Typically have a sour taste
Conduct electricity and turn litmus paper red
React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), and acetic acid (CH3COOH)

Accept a proton (H+ ion) in a solution
Typically have a bitter taste and feel slippery to the touch
Conduct electricity and turn litmus paper blue
React with oils to produce soap
Examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), and ammonia (NH3)

Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing all H+ ions
Examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3)
Weak acids partially dissociate in water, releasing some H+ ions
Examples of weak acids include acetic acid (CH3COOH) and carbonic acid (H2CO3)
Strong bases completely dissociate in water, releasing all OH- ions
Examples of strong bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
Weak bases partially dissociate in water, releasing some OH- ions
Examples of weak bases include ammonia (NH3) and trimethylamine (N(CH3)3)

pH affects enzyme activity, protein structure, and cell function in biological systems
pH affects soil chemistry, water quality, and ecosystem health in environmental systems
pH control is crucial in industrial applications, such as food processing and pharmaceutical production