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C8.1 - The Characteristic Properties of Acids and Bases: Homenotesco-Ordinated Sciences - 0654 (2017-18)

The document outlines the properties of acids and bases, explaining their definitions, pH scale, and testing methods using litmus paper and universal indicators. It details the reactions of acids with metals, alkalis, metal oxides, and carbonates, providing general formulas and examples for each reaction. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of controlling acidity in the environment, particularly in air, water, and soil, to prevent damage and ensure proper growth of crops.

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16 views3 pages

C8.1 - The Characteristic Properties of Acids and Bases: Homenotesco-Ordinated Sciences - 0654 (2017-18)

The document outlines the properties of acids and bases, explaining their definitions, pH scale, and testing methods using litmus paper and universal indicators. It details the reactions of acids with metals, alkalis, metal oxides, and carbonates, providing general formulas and examples for each reaction. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of controlling acidity in the environment, particularly in air, water, and soil, to prevent damage and ensure proper growth of crops.

Uploaded by

mustuboria
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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C8.

1 – The Characteristic
Properties of Acids and
Bases
HomeNotesCo-ordinated Sciences – 0654 (2017-18)C8.1 – The Characteristic
Properties of Acids and Bases

Disclaimer: Due to unforeseen difficulties, we have had to take down the images on this
notes page. They will be replaced shortly. We apologise for the inconvenience, but hope
that the new images will provide you with an even better learning experience.

1. Describe neutrality and relative acidity and alkalinity in terms of pH


(whole numbers only) measured using full-range indicator and litmus.
An acid is a substance that dissolves in water to produce hydrogen.

Acids are sour in taste and are corrosive nature. Examples: hydrochloric acid (found in
our stomachs), citric acid (found in ‘citrus’ fruits such as oranges and lemon) and
ethanoic acid (found in vinegar)

A base is a substance that dissolves in water to produce hydroxide.


Bases are bitter in taste and have a soapy touch. Bases that are dissolved in water are
called alkalis. Examples: calcium carbonate (limestone), sodium chloride (salt), calcium
hydroxide (limewater) etc.
The real distinction between acids and alkalis is shown on the pH scale (pictured
here) acids have pH values from 0 to 6, 0 being the strongest acids and 6 being the
weakest acids. Bases have pH values from 8 to 14, 8 being the weakest bases and 14
being the strongest bases. So, as you go from left to right, it goes from strongly acidic to
strongly basic. A pH value of 7 is neutral. Water has a pH value of 7- it is neither acidic
nor basic.
To know whether a substance is acidic or basic, we can use the litmus paper test.

Litmus paper is a thin strip of paper which comes in colours of blue and red. You can dip
it in the solution you want to test. If the blue litmus paper turns red or if red litmus
paper stays red the solution must be acidic . If the red litmus paper turns blue or the
blue litmus paper stays blue, the solution must be basic.
Basically, red means acidic and blue means basic. Simple!
Another acid-alkali indicator is the universal indicator. The universal indicator turns
different colours based on substances’ pH values. It will turn red-yellow shades when
tested with acids, and turn purple-blue shades when tested with alkalis. Shown on the
left is the universal indicator’s colours based on pH (from acidic to basic) and examples
of substances that have those pH values.

2. Describe the characteristic reactions of acids with metals, bases (including


alkalis) and carbonates.
Here are the products that are produced when acids react with different substances.
Learn the general formula.

• acid + metal —> salt + hydrogen


• Example:
hydrochloric acid (acid) + magnesium (metal) —–> magnesium chloride (salt) +
hydrogen
• acid + alkali —> salt + water – this is the neutralization reaction formula. the
acid and alkali cancel each other to form salt and water.
Example:
nitrate acid (acid) + sodium hydroxide(alkali) —-> sodium nitrate (salt) + water
• acid + metal oxides (bases) —> salt + water
Example:
sulfuric acid (acid) + copper(II)oxide (metal oxide) ——> copper(II)sulfate + water
• acid + carbonate —> salt + water + carbon dioxide
Example:
sulfuric acid (acid) + copper(II)carbonate (carbonate) —–> copper(II)sulfate + water +
carbon dioxide
(How to memorise: Acids react with alkalis and metal oxides the same way- salt and
water is produced. When acids react with carbonates carbon-dioxide is produced along
with the salt and water).

3. Describe and explain the importance of controlling acidity in the


environment (air, water and soil).
• Air: Burning fossil fuels releases gases into the air, such as nitrogen oxides and
sulfur dioxide. They react with water and air, leading to acid rain. Acid rain
causes buildings to erode and will be harmful for soil, plants and water. This is
why burning of fossil fuels need to be controlled. It can damage the environment.
• Water: Factory waste is often acidic, and it can leak into water. This waste is
treated with slaked lime to neutralise it so that when it leaks into water, it doesn’t
pollute it.
• Soil: Soil is used to grow crops, so it is important for it to be neutral. If it is too
alkaline or acidic, the crops won’t grow properly. Acidity is usually the problem
for soil, so a base can help neutralise it. Bases like limestone, slaked lime, or
quick lime are usually sprayed in the soil to neutralise it before planting crops.

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