Chapter 2 Acids Bases and Salts

Indicators: Indicators are substances which indicate the acidic or basic nature of the
solution by the colour change.
Types of Indicator: There are many types of indicators. Some common types of
indicators are:

1. Natural Indicators: Indicators obtained from natural sources are called Natural
Indicators. Litmus, turmeric, red cabbage, China rose, etc., are some common natural
indicators used widely to show the acidic or basic character of substances.
Litmus: Litmus is obtained from lichens. The solution of litmus is purple in colour.
Litmus paper comes in two colours- blue and red.
An acid turns blue litmus paper red.
A base turns red litmus paper blue.

Turmeric: Turmeric is another natural indicator. Turmeric is yellow in colour. Turmeric

solution or paper turns reddish brown with base. Turmeric does not change colour with
acid.

Red Cabbage: The juice of red cabbage is originally purple in colour. Juice of red
cabbage turns reddish with acid and turns greenish with base.

2. Olfactory Indicator: Substances which change their smell when mixed with acid or
base are known as Olfactory Indicators. For example; Onion, vanilla etc.
Onion: Paste or juice of onion loses its smell when added with base. It does not change
its smell with acid.
Vanilla: The smell of vanilla vanishes with base, but its smell does not vanish with an
acid.
Olfactory Indicators are used to ensure the participation of visually impaired students in
the laboratory.

3. Synthetic Indicator: Indicators that are synthesized in the laboratory are known as
Synthetic Indicators. For example; Phenolphthalein, methyl orange, etc.
Phenolphthalein is a colourless liquid. It remains colourless with acid but turns into pink
with a base.
Methyl orange is originally orange in colour. It turns into the red with acid and turns into
yellow with base.
 Indicator Original Colour Acid Base

Red litmus Red No Change Blue

Blue litmus Blue Red No change

Turmeric Yellow No Change Reddish brown

Red cabbage juice Purple Reddish Greenish yellow

Phenolphthalein Colourless Colourless Pink

Methyl Orange Orange Red Yellow

Onion n/a No change Smell vanishes

Vanilla n/a No change Smell vanishes

Acids: Acids are sour in taste, turn blue litmus red, and dissolve in water to release
H+ ions.
Example: Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Acetic Acid (CH3COOH), Nitric Acid (HNO3) etc.
Properties of Acids:

• Acids have a sour taste.

 • Turns blue litmus red.
• Acid solution conducts electricity.
• Release H+ ions in aqueous solution.

Types of Acids: Acids are divided into two types on the basis of their occurrence i.e.,
Natural acids and Mineral acids.
(i) Natural Acids: Acids which are obtained from natural sources are called Natural
Acids or Organic Acids.
Examples:
Methanoic acid (HCOOH)
Acetic acid (CH3COOH)
Oxalic acid (C2H2O4) etc.

Organic Acids and their Sources

Acids Sources

Acetic acid Vinegar

Ascorbic acid Guava, amla

Citric acid Lemon, orange and other citrus fruits

Lactic acid Sour milk, curd

Methanoic acid Ant sting, nettle sting

 Oxalic acid Tomato

Tartaric acid Tamarind

(ii) Mineral Acids: Acids that are prepared from minerals are known as Mineral Acids
Example; Inorganic acids, man-made acids or synthetic acid are also known as Mineral
Acids.
Example:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
Nitric acid (HNO3)
Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
Phosphoric acid (H3PO4) etc.

Chemical Properties of Acid:

(i) Reaction of acids with metal: Acids give hydrogen gas along with respective salt
when they react with a metal.
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
Examples:
Hydrogen gas and zinc chloride are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with zinc
metal.

Hydrogen gas and sodium sulphate are formed when sulphuric acid reacts with sodium
metal.

Test For Hydrogen Gas: The gas evolved after reaction of acid with metal can be tested
by bringing a lighted candle near it. If the gas bums with a pop sound, then it confirms
the evolution of hydrogen gas. Burning with pop sound is the characteristic test for
hydrogen gas.

(ii) Reaction of acids with metal carbonate: Acids give carbon dioxide gas and
respective salts along with water when they react with metal carbonates.
Metal carbonate + Acid → Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water
Examples:
Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide gas, sodium chloride along with water when
reacts with sodium carbonate.

Sulphuric acid gives calcium sulphate, carbon dioxide gas, calcium sulphate and water
when it reacts with calcium carbonate

Nitric acid gives sodium nitrate, water and carbon dioxide gas when it reacts with
sodium carbonate.

(iii) Reaction of acid with hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates): Acids give carbon
dioxide gas, respective salt and water when they react with metal hydrogen carbonate.
Acid + Metal hydrogen carbonate → Salt + Carbon dioxide + Water
Example:
Sulphuric acid gives sodium sulphate, Carbon dioxide gas and water when it reacts with
sodium bicarbonate.

Test For Evolution of Carbon Dioxide Gas: Carbon dioxide turns lime water milky when
passed through it. This is the characteristic test for carbon dioxide gas.
The gas evolved because of reaction of the acid with metal carbonate or metal
hydrogen carbonate turns lime water milky. This shows that the gas is carbon dioxide
gas. This happens because of the formation of a white precipitate of calcium
carbonate.
But when excess of carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, it makes milky colour
of lime water disappear. This happens because of formation of calcium hydrogen
carbonate. As calcium hydrogen carbonate is soluble in water, thus, the milky colour of
solution mixture disappears.

Common in Acids: Acids give hydrogen gas when they react with metal. This shows
that all acids contains hydrogen. For example; Hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulphuric acid
(H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), etc.
When an acid is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydrogen. The dissociation of
hydrogen ion in aqueous solution is the common property in all acids. Because of the
dissociation of hydrogen ion in aqueous solution, an acid shows acidic behaviour.
Examples:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) gives hydrogen ion (H+) and chloride ion (Cl–) when it is
dissolved in water.

Acetic acid (CH3COOH) gives acetate ion (CH3COO–) and hydrogen ion (H+).

Acids

Strong Acids
An acid which is completely ionised in water and produces (H+) is called Strong Acid.
Examples: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Nitric acid (HNO3)

Weak Acids
An acid which is partially ionised in water and thus produces a small amount of
hydrogen ions (H+) is called a Weak Acid.
Example: Acetic acid (CH3COOH), Carbonic acid (H2CO3)

When a concentrated solution of acid is diluted by mixing water, then the concentration
of Hydrogen ions (H+) or hydronium ion (H3O–) per unit volume decreases.

Bases: Bases are bitter in taste, have soapy touch, turn red litmus blue and give
hydroxide ions (OH–) in aqueous solution.
Examples: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) – NaOH
Calcium hydroxide – Ca(OH)2
Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) – (KOH)
Properties of Bases:

• Have a bitter taste.

• Soapy to touch.
• Turns red litmus blue.
• Conducts electricity in solution.
• Release OH– ions in Aqueous Solution

Types of bases: Bases can be divided in two types – Water soluble and Water-insoluble.
The hydroxide of alkali and alkaline earth metals are soluble in water. These are also
known as alkali.
For example; sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, etc. Alkali is
considered a strong base.

Chemical properties of bases:

(i) Reaction of Base with Metals: When alkali (base) reacts with metal, it produces salt
and hydrogen gas.
Alkali + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen
Examples: Sodium hydroxide gives hydrogen gas and sodium zincate when reacts with
zinc metal.

Sodium aluminate and hydrogen gas are formed when sodium hydroxide reacts with
aluminium metal.

(ii) Reaction of Base with Oxides of Non-metals: Non-metal oxides are acidic in nature.
For example; carbon dioxide is a non-metal oxide. When carbon dioxide is dissolved in
water it produces carbonic acid.
Therefore, when a base reacts with non-metal oxide, both neutralize each other
resulting respective salt and water.
Base + Non-metal oxide → Salt + Water
(Non-metal oxides are acidic in nature)
Examples:
Sodium hydroxide gives sodium carbonate and water when it reacts with carbon
dioxide.

Calcium hydroxide gives calcium carbonate and water when it reacts with carbon
dioxide.

(iii) Neutralisation Reaction: An acid neutralizes a base when they react with each other
and respective salt and water are formed.
Acid + Base → Salt + Water
Since, the reaction between acid and base both neutralize each other, hence, it is also
known as Neutralization Reaction.
Examples: Sodium chloride and water are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with
sodium hydroxide (a strong base).

In a similar way, calcium chloride is formed along with water when hydrochloric acid
reacts with calcium hydroxide (a base).

(iv) Reaction of Acid with Metal Oxides: Metal oxides are basic in nature. Thus, when an
acid reacts with a metal oxide both neutralize each other. In this reaction, the respective
salt and water are formed.
Acid + Metal Oxide → Salt + Water
(Metal oxides are basic in nature)
Examples:
Calcium is a metal, thus, calcium oxide is a metallic oxide which is basic in nature.
When an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, reacts with calcium oxide, neutralization
reaction takes place and calcium chloride, along with water is formed.

Similarly, when sulphuric acid reacts with zinc oxide, zinc sulphate and water are
formed.

Common in all bases: A base dissociates hydroxide ion in water, which is responsible
for the basic behaviour of a compound.
Example: When sodium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydroxide ion and
sodium ion.

Similarly, when potassium hydroxide is dissolved in water, it dissociates hydroxide ion

and potassium ion.

Thus, the base shows its basic character because of dissociation of hydroxide ion.

Neutralisation Reaction: When an acid reacts with a base, the hydrogen ion of acid
combines with the hydroxide ion of base and forms water. As these ions combine
together and form water instead of remaining free, thus, both neutralize each other.

Example: When sodium hydroxide (a base) reacts with hydrochloric acid, sodium
hydroxide breaks into a sodium ion and hydroxide ion and hydrochloric acid breaks into
hydrogen ion and chloride ion.
Hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion combine together and form water, while sodium ion and
chloride ion combine together and form sodium chloride.

Dilution of Acid and Base: The concentration of hydrogen ion in an acid and hydroxide
ion in a base, per unit volume, shows the concentration of acid or base.

By mixing of acid to water, the concentration of hydrogen ion per unit volume
decreases. Similarly, by addition of base to water, the concentration of hydroxide ion per
unit volume decreases. This process of addition of acid or base to water is called
Dilution and the acid or base is called Diluted.

The dilution of acid or base is exothermic. Thus, acid or base is always added to water
and water is never added to acid or base. If water is added to a concentrated acid or
base, a lot of heat is generated, which may cause splashing out of acid or base and may
cause severe damage as concentrated acid and base are highly corrosive.
Strength of Acid and Base: Acids in which complete dissociation of hydrogen ion takes
place are called Strong Acids. Similarly, bases in which complete dissociation of
hydroxide ion takes place are called Strong Bases.
In mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, etc. hydrogen ion
dissociates completely and hence, they are considered as strong acids. Since inorganic
acids hydrogen ions do not dissociate completely, so they are weak acids.

For water or neutral solutions : pH = 7

For acidic solutions : pH < 7
For basic solution : pH > 7

Universal Indicator: Using a litmus paper, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, etc. only the
acidic or basic character of a solution can be determined, but the use of these
indicators does not give the idea about the strength of acid or base. So, to get the
strength as well as acidic and basic nature of a given solution universal indicator is
used.

Universal indicator shows different colour over the range of pH value from 1 to 14 for a
given solution. Universal indicator is available both in the form of strips and solution.
Universal indicator is the combination of many indicators, such as water, propanol,
phenolphthalein, sodium salt, sodium hydroxide, methyl red, bromothymol blue
monosodium salt, and thymol blue monosodium salt. The colour matching chart is
supplied with a universal indicator which shows the different colours for different
values of pH.

pH value shown by different colours role of pH everyday life:

(i) pH in our digestive system: Dilute HCl (Hydrochloric acid) helps in digestion of food
(proteins) in our stomach. Excess acid in stomach causes acidity (indigestion).
Antacids like magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] also known as milk of magnesia and
sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) are used to neutralize excess acid.
(ii) Tooth decay caused by acids: The bacteria present in our mouth converts the sugar
into acids. When the pH of acid formed in the mouth falls below 5.5, tooth-decaying
starts. The excess acid has to be removed by cleaning the teeth with a good quality
toothpaste because these kinds of toothpaste are alkaline in nature.

(iii) Soil of pH and plant growth: Most of the plants have a healthy growth when the soil
has a specific pH (close to 7) range which should be neither alkaline nor highly acidic.
Therefore,

• Compound ‘X’ is Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

• Compound ‘A’ is Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4).
• Compound ‘B’ is Sodium chloride (NaCl).
• Compound ‘C’ is Sodium acetate (CH3COONa)

Salts: Salts are the ionic compounds which are produced after the neutralization
reaction between acid and base. Salts are electrically neutral. There are number of salts
but sodium chloride is the most common among them. Sodium chloride is also known
as table salt or common salt. Sodium chloride is used to enhance the taste of food.

Characteristics of salt:

• Most of the salts are crystalline soild.

• Salts may be transparent or opaque.
• Most of the salts are soluble in water.
• Solution of the salts conducts electricity in their molten state also.
• The salt may be salty, sour, sweet, bitter and umami (savoury).
• Neutral salts are odourless.
• Salts can be colourless or coloured.

Family of Salt: Salts having common acidic or basic radicals are said to belong to the
same family.
Example:
(i) Sodium chloride (NaCl) and Calcium chloride (CaCl2) belongs to chloride family.
(ii) Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and Calcium sulphate (CaSO4) belongs to calcium family.
(iii) Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) belongs to the zinc family.

Neutral, Acidic and Basic Salts:

(i) Neutral Salt: Salts produced because of reaction between a strong acid and strong
base are neutral in nature. The pH value of such salts is equal to 7, i.e. neutral.
Example : Sodium chloride, Sodium sulphate. Postassium chloride, etc.
Sodium chloride (NaCl): It is formed after the reaction between hydrochloric acid (a
strong acid) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).

Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4): It is formed after the reaction between sodium hydroxide (a
strong base) and sulphuric acid ( a strong acid).

Potassium Chloride (KCl): It is formed after the reaction between potassium hydroxide
(a strong base) and hydrochloric acid (a strong acid).

(ii) Acidic Salts: Salts which are formed after the reaction between a strong acid and
weak base are called Acidic salts. The pH value of acidic salt is lower than 7. For
example Ammonium sulphate, Ammonium chloride, etc.
Ammonium chloride is formed after reaction between hydrochloric acid (a strong acid)
and ammonium hydroxide (a weak base).

Ammonium sulphate is formed after reaction between ammonium hydroxide (a weak

base) and sulphuric acid (a strong acid).

(iii) Basic Salts: Salts which are formed after the reaction between a weak acid and
strong base are called Basic Salts. For example; Sodium carbonate, Sodium acetate,
etc.
Sodium carbonate is formed after the reaction between sodium hydroxide (a strong
base) and carbonic acid (a weak acid).
Sodium acetate is formed after the reaction between a strong base, sodium hydroxide
(a strong base) and acetic acid, (a weak acid).

Cause of formation of acidic, basic and neutral salts:

• When a strong acid reacts with a weak base, the base is unable to fully
neutralize the acid. Due to this, an acidic salt is formed.
• When a strong base reacts with a weak acid, the acid is unable to fully
neutralize the base. Due to this, a basic salt is formed.
• When equally strong acid and a base react, they fully neutralize each other.
Due to this, a neutral salt is formed.

pH value of salt:

• Neutral salt: The pH value of a neutral salt is almost equal to 7.

• Acidic salt: The pH value of an acidic salt is less than 7.
• Basic salt: The pH value of a basic salt is more than 7.

Some Important Chemical Compounds

1. Common Salt (Sodium Chloride): Sodium chloride (NaCl) is also known as Common
or Table Salt. It is formed after the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric
acid. It is a neutral salt. The pH value of sodium chloride is about 7. Sodium chloride is
used to enhance the taste of food. Sodium chloride is used in the manufacturing of
many chemicals.

Important chemical from sodium chloride

Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Sodium hydroxide is a strong base. It is also known as
caustic soda. It is obtained by the electrolytic decomposition of solution of sodium
chloride (brine). In the process of electrolytic decomposition of brine (aqueous solution
of sodium chloride), brine decomposes to form sodium hydroxide. In this process,
chlorine is obtained at anode and hydrogen gas is obtained at cathode as by products.
This whole process is known as Chlor – Alkali process.

Use of products after the electrolysis of brine:

 • Hydrogen gas is used as fuel, margarine, in making of ammonia for
fertilizer, etc.
• Chlorine gas is used in water treatment, manufacturing of PVC,
disinfectants, CFC, pesticides. It is also used in the manufacturing of
bleaching powder and hydrochloric acid.
• Sodium hydroxide is used for degreasing of metals, manufacturing of
paper, soap, detergents, artificial fibres, bleach, etc.

2. Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2): Bleaching powder is also known as chloride of lime. It is

a solid and yellowish white in colour. Bleaching powder can be easily identified by the
strong smell of chlorine.
When calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) reacts with chlorine, it gives calcium oxychloride
(bleaching powder) and water is formed.

Aqueous solution of bleaching powder is basic in nature. The term bleach means
removal of colour. Bleaching powder is often used as bleaching agent. It works because
of oxidation. Chlorine in the bleaching powder is responsible for bleaching effect.

Use of Bleaching Powder:

• Bleaching powder is used as disinfectant to clean water, moss remover,

weed killers, etc.
• Bleaching powder is used for bleaching of cotton in textile industry,
bleaching of wood pulp in paper industry.
• Bleaching powder is used as oxidizing agent in many industries, such as
textiles industry, paper industry, etc.

3. Baking Soda (NaHCO3): Baking soda is another important product which can be
obtained using byproducts of chlor – alkali process. The chemical name of baking soda
is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium bicarbonate. Bread soda, cooking
soda, bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarb, bicarb of soda or simply bicarb, etc. are some
other names of baking soda.

Preparation Method: Baking soda is obtained by the reaction of brine with carbon
dioxide and ammonia. This is known as Solvay process.

In this process, calcium carbonate is used as the source of CO2 and the resultant
calcium oxide is used to recover ammonia from ammonium chloride.
Properties of Sodium Bicarbonate:

• Sodium bicarbonate is white crystalline solid, but it appears as fine powder.

• Sodium hydrogen carbonate is amphoteric in nature.
• Sodium hydrogen carbonate is sparingly soluble in water.
• Thermal decomposition of sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda).
• When baking soda is heated, it decomposes into sodium carbonate, carbon
dioxide and water.
2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O
• Sodium carbonate formed after thermal decomposition of sodium
hydrogen carbonate decomposes into sodium oxide and carbon dioxide on
further heating.
Na2CO3 → Na2O + CO2
This reaction is known as Dehydration reaction.

Use of Baking Soda:

• Baking soda is used in making of baking powder, which is used in cooking

as it produces carbon dioxide which makes the batter soft and spongy.
• Baking soda is used as an antacid.
• Baking soda is used in toothpaste which makes the teeth white and plaque
free.
• Baking soda is used in cleansing of ornaments made of silver.
• Since sodium hydrogen carbonate gives carbon dioxide and sodium oxide
on strong heating, thus, it, is used as a fire extinguisher.

Baking Powder: Baking powder produces carbon dioxide on heating, so it is used in

cooking to make the batter spongy. Although, baking soda also produces carbon
dioxide on heating, but it is not used in cooking because on heating, baking soda
produces sodium carbonate along with carbon dioxide. The sodium carbonate, thus,
produced, makes the taste bitter.

Baking powder is the mixture of baking soda and a mild edible acid. Generally, tartaric
acid is mixed with baking soda to make baking powder.

When baking powder is heated, sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) decomposes to

give CO2 and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). CO2 causes bread and cake fluffy. Tartaric
acid helps to remove bitter taste due to formation of Na2CO3.
4. Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate)
Preparation Method: Sodium carbonate is manufactured by the thermal decomposition
of sodium hydrogen carbonate obtained by Solvay process.

The sodium carbonate obtained in this process is dry. It is called Soda ash or
Anhydrous sodium carbonate. Washing soda is obtained by rehydration of anhydrous
sodium carbonate.

Since there are 10 water molecules in washing soda, hence, it is known as Sodium
Bicarbonate Decahydrate.
Sodium carbonate is a crystalline solid and it is soluble in water when most of the
carbonates are insoluble in water.

Use of sodium carbonate:

• It is used in the cleaning of cloths, especially in rural areas.

• In the making of detergent cake and powder.
• In removing the permanent hardness of water.
• It is used in glass and paper industries.

The water of Crystallization: Many salts contain water molecule and are known as
Hydrated Salts. The water molecule present in salt is known as Water of crystallization.
Examples:
Copper sulphate pentahydrate (CuSO4.5H2O): Blue colour of copper sulphate is due to
presence of 5 molecules of water. When copper sulphate is heated, it loses water
molecules and turns: into grey – white colour, which is known as anhydrous copper
sulphate. After adding water, anhydrous copper sulphate becomes blue again.