Acids, bases, and salts are an important part of our daily life. The foods we consume, the cleaning components we use, and our bodies all comprise them. This chapter gives a well-known overview of these materials, their characteristics, and their importance in chemistry and daily life. 

Acids, Bases, and Salts Definitions

Acids: Acids are substances that turn blue litmus paper red and give it a sour taste. In water, they emit hydrogen ions (H⁺). Acetic acid and hydrochloric acid (HCl) are two examples.

Bases: Bases are substances that turn red litmus paper blue and have a soapy texture and a bitter taste. In water, they release hydroxide ions (OH⁻). Calcium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are two examples.

Salts: Salts are substances that are created when bases and acids combine. They are usually neutral and include positive (from bases) and negative (from acids) ions. For example, take sodium chloride (NaCl).

Acids, Bases, and Salts Chemical Properties

Acids:

• Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
• Acids turn blue litmus paper red.
• Acids react with carbonates and bicarbonates to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Bases:

• Bases feel slippery and turn red litmus paper blue.
• They react with acids to form salt and water.
• Bases react with certain metals like zinc to produce hydrogen gas.

Reactions

Acids and Bases with Metals:

Acid and Base Reaction (Neutralization):

 

Similarities Between Acids and Bases

• Both acids and bases are electrolytes and can conduct electricity.
• Both react with metals (though bases react with fewer metals).
• Both react with each other to form salt and water.

pH Scale and Its Importance

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, starting from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly basic), with 7 being neutral.

Importance of pH Scale in Daily Life:

• The pH of soil affects plant growth.
• pH balance in our body fluids is essential for health.
• pH is used in water quality testing and food preservation.

Common Compounds and Their Uses

Bleaching Powder Uses CaOCl2

• Used in disinfecting water.
• Acts as a bleaching agent in the textile and paper industries.

Baking Soda Uses NaHCO3 

• Used in baking as a leavening agent.
• Neutralizes acid in indigestion remedies.

Washing Soda Uses  (Na2CO3·10H2O)

• Used in cleaning agents.
• Removes the hardness of water.

Plaster of Paris Uses (CaSO4⋅12H2O)

• Used in making casts for broken bones.
• Employed in decorative designs and construction.

Conclusion

Acids, bases, and salts are essential to our expertise in chemistry and are used extensively in home, commercial, and agricultural settings. By understanding their characteristics and reactions, we can better understand nature and maximize its potential for useful purposes.

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