Acids and Bases

Focus of the lesson

 Defining acids and bases according to
 Distinguish between strong acids or bases and weak acids or bases
 Distinguish concentrated acids or bases and dilute acids or bases
 Writing down the reactions of aqueous solutions of acids and bases
 Identifying conjugate acid-base pairs for given compounds
 Describe a substance that can act a either acid or base as ampholyte
 Writing down neutralisation reactions of common laboratory acids and bases
 Defining hydrolysis
 Determining the approximate pH (equal to, smaller or larger than 7) of salt hydrolysis
 Motivating the choice of indicator in an acid base titration: Methly orange,
Phenolphthalein and bromothymol blue
 Defining equivalence point and End point of a titration
 Perform Stoichiometric calculations based titrations of strong acid with strong base,
strong acid with weak base and a weak acid with strong base
 Acids and Bases
Focus of the lesson Contin…..
 Expressing the acidity or alkalinity of a solution using the pH scale
 Calculating pH values of strong acids and strong bases using
 Defining
 Explaining the auto-ionisation of water
 Interpreting values acids to determine the relative strength of
given acids
 Interpreting values acids to determine the relative strength of
given bases
 Comparing strong and weak acids by looking at: pH (monoprotic
and diprotic), Conductivity, Reaction rate
 Acids And Bases
Acids Bases
 Sour taste  Bitter Taste
 Ionise in water and conduct  Ionise in water and conduct
electricity electricity
 Have a low PH value  Have a high PH value
 Change colour of indicators e.g
 Change colour of indicators
blue litmus paper turns red
 Are neutralised by a base to e.g red litmus to blue
form salt and water
 Neutralises acids to form
 React with metals to form salt salt and water
and hydrogen gas
 React with a carbonate to form
salt , water and carbon dioxide
 Definitions of acids and bases according to
Arrhenius and Lowry-Br
Arrhenius Theory:
 An Acid: a substance that produce hydrogen ions() or
hydronium ions in aqueous solution
 A Base: a substance that produce hydroxide ions () in
aqueous solutions
Lowry-Br Theory:
 An Acid: A proton ( ion) donor
 A Base: A proton () acceptor
 Relative strength of acids and bases

Acids Bases
 A strong acid ionises completely  A strong base dissociate
in water to form a high completely in water to form a
concentration of Hydronium ion() high concentration of ()
e.g hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid e.g Sodium hydroxide and Potassium
and nitric acid Hydroxide and calcium hydroxide
 A weak base dissociate /ionises
 A weak acid ionises incompletely
incompletely in water to form a
in water to form a low low concentration of () e.g
concentration of Hydronium ion() Ammonia, Calcium carbonate,
e.g Ethanoic acid and Oxalic acid potassium carbonate and sodium
hydrogen carbonate
 Relative strength of acids and bases

Acids Bases
A concentrated acid  A concentrated base contains
containes a large amount a large amount (number of
(number of moles) of acid in moles) of base in proportion
proportion to the volume of to the volume of water
water
 A dilute acid containes a  A dilute base contains a small
small amount (number of amount (number of moles) of
moles) of acid in proportion base in proportion to the
to the volume of water volume of water
 Types of Acids
NAME FORMULA STRENGTH
Hydrochloric Acid STRONG
Sulphuric Acid STRONG
Nitric Acid STRONG
Phosphoric Acid WEAK
Acetic Acid WEAK
Carbonic Acid WEAK
Oxalic Acid WEAK
 Types of Bases
NAME FORMULA STRENGTH
Ammonia WEAK
Sodium Hydroxide(Caustic STRONG
Soda)
Potassium STRONG
Hydroxide( Caustic Potash)
Calcium Hydroxide STRONG
(Hydrated lime)
Sodium Carbonate WEAK
(Washing Soda)
Sodium Bicarbonate(Baking WEAK
soda)
Calcium Carbonate WEAK
(Limesstone/Mable)
 Monoprotic & Polyprotic Acids
Monoprotic Acids Polyprotic Acids: Diprotic &Triprotic

𝐻𝐶𝑙,𝐻𝑁𝑂3,𝐶𝐻3𝐶𝑂 𝐻
Diprotic:


Triprotic:
 Acid-Base Reactions
 Reaction equations of aqueous solutions of acids and bases
e.g
A) React hydrochloric acid with water

B) React ammonia with water

C) React sulphuric acid with water

 In reaction A water act as base and as an acid in reaction B

and therefore it is called an Ampholyte
 Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

 When an acid has donated a proton, the remaining ion is

called a conjugate base because it can again accept a proton
in the reverse reaction

 When a base has accepted a proton, the formed product is

called a conjugate acid as it can again donate a proton in the
reverse reaction
 Examples: Identify the conjugate acid-bases pairs in the
reactions below

1.)

2.)

3)
 Classwork

Indicate the conjugate acid-base pairs in the

following reactions
a)
b)
c)
d)
Classwork

1. What is the conjugate base of:

2. What is the conjugate acid of :

Classwork

1.) In 1920, Arrhenius and Lowry-Bronsted gave a description of what an

acid and a base is and the reactions which they undergo. Consider the
equations below.

1.1 Define a BASE from the Lowry-Bronsted theory

(2)
1.2 write down the conjugate acid-base pairs of reaction A
(2)
1.3 Define the term AMPHOLYTE (2)
1.4 From the equations above, write down the NAME OR FORMULA of a
substance that is an ampholyte (1)
 Neutralisation reaction of acids and bases
(Titration Reaction)

1) React Hydrochloric Acid with Sodium hydroxide

2.) React Hydrochloric acid with potassium hydroxide

3.) React Nitric acid with sodium hydroxide

4) React Sulphuric acid with sodium hydroxide

5) React oxalic acid with sodium hydroxide

6) React ethanoic acid with sodium hydroxide

7) React Hydrochloric acid with sodium carbonate

Classwork

1.) A solution of sodium hydroxide solution () is prepared by

dissolving crystals of in of water. Calculate the
concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution
(4)
2.) of sodium hydroxide solution of concentration completely
neutralises a dilute solution of sulphuric acid () in a flask. The
equation below represents the reaction that takes place.

2.1 Write the NAME or FORMULA of the compound P

(2)
2.2 Calculate the mass of sulphuric acid () in the flask (6)
Classwork

1.)When sulphuric acid reacts with water, it ionises in two steps, as

shown in the two balanced equations below:
(i)
(ii)

1.1 Define an acid in terms of the Lowry-Brønsted theory. (2)

1.2 Write down the FORMULA of:
1.2.1 The conjugate base of (1)
1.2.2 The conjugate acid of (1)
1.2.3 A substance that acts as ampholyte in these reactions
(1)
 Hydrolysis
 Hydrolysis: The reaction of salt with water
 Hydrolysis of a salt of a weak acid and a strong base
results in an alkaline solution i.e
e.g sodium ethanoate, sodium oxalate and sodium
carbonate
 Hydrolysis….
 Hydrolysis of a salt of a strong acid and a weak base
results in an acidic solution i.e
e.g Ammonium chloride
 Hydrolysis….
 The salt of a strong acid and strong base does not
undergo hydrolysis and solution of the salt will be
neutral i.e
e.g Sodium chloride
Classwork

1.) Anhydrous oxalic acid is an example of an acid that can donate two protons and thus
ionises in two steps as represented by the equations below:
(i)
(ii)
1.1 write down:
1.1.1 ONE word for the underlined phrase in the above sentence
(1)
1.1.2 The FORMULA of each of TWO bases in reaction (ii)
(2)
1.1.3 The FORMULA of the substance that acts as ampholyte in
reactions (i) and (ii). Give a reason for the answer
(2)
1.3 Give a reason why oxalic acid is a weak acid ? (1)
1.4 A solution of of concentration is prepared by dissolving a certain amount of in water
in a volumetric flask.
Calculate the mass of needed to prepare the solution (4)
Classwork

1.) Sulphuric acid is a diprotic acid

1.1 Define an acid in terms of Lowry-Brønsted theory. (2)
1.2 Give a reason why sulphuric acid is reffered to as diprotic (2)

2.) Acid rain () does not cause damage to lakes that have rocks containing limestone
(). Hydrolysis of results in the formation of ions, which neutralize the acid
2.1 Define Hydrolysis of salt (2)
2.2 Explain with the aid of the relevant HYDROLYSIS reaction , how limestone
can neutralize the acid (3)
3.) Carbonated water is an aqueous solution, . (aq) ionizes in two steps when it
dissolves in water
3.1 Write down the FORMULA of the conjugate base of
3.2 write down a balanced equation for the first step in the ionization
of carbonic acid (3)
 Neutralisation Reaction of Acids and Bases
(Titration procedure)
 Prepare a standard solution of an
acid by weighing a certain mass of
an acid on a weighing balance
 A standard solution is solution
whose exact concentration is known
 Prepare solution of acid in a
volumetric flask
 Fill the buret with an acid solution
to a zero mark
 Add of a base solution(unknown
concentration) to a conical flask or
erlen meyer flask with a pipette
 Add 2-3 drops of a suitable indicator
to a conical flask containing a base
 Titration procedure………
 Using the burette, carefully add the
acid(later drop by drop) to the base
solution until the colour in the flask
changes
 Note the volume of the acid added
 When a colour change takes place with
the addition of a single drop of acid, the
end point has been reached and the
base is neutralised.
 End point is a point where the indicator
changes colour.
 Equivalent point is a point at which the
acid/base has completely reacted with
the base/acid
 The concentration of the base can be
calculated as follows:

 Types of indicators
Indicator Colour in acid Colour in base pH Range
Methyl Orange Orange Yellow 3,1 - 4,4

Methyl Red Red Yellow 4,4 - 6,2

Bromothymol blue Yellow Blue 6 - 7,6

Phenolphthalein colourless pink 8,3 – 10

 pH and pH scale
The strength of an acid or base is indicated by
its PH value on a scale from 0-14
The PH of a solution is related to the [
Neutral solution: pH = 7
Acidic solution: pH < 7
The stronger the acid the lower the PH
Basic solution:
The stronger the base , the higher the PH
 Auto-ionization of water

OR

At , and

Then
 Calculating pH of solutions of strong acids and strong bases

4
e.g 1)
1.) Nitric acid an important acid used in industry, is a strong acid.
1.1 Give a reason why nitric acid is classified as a strong acid.
1.2 Write down the NAME or FORMULA of the conjugate base of nitric acid.
1.3 Calculate the pH of a nitric acid solution

2.) Carbonated water is an aqueous solution of carbonic acid, . (aq) ionizes in

two steps when it dissolves in water
2.1 Write down the FORMULA of the conjugate base of
2.2 write down a balanced equation for the first step in the ionization
of carbonic acid
2.3 The pH of a carbonic acid solution at 25 °C is 3,4. Calculate the
hydroxide ion concentration in the solution.
e.g 2.)
During an experiment of aHCℓ solution is added to of a solution of
concentration . The balanced equation for the reaction is:

1.1 Calculate the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution on

completion of the reaction
1.2 Calculate the pH of the solution on completion of the reaction
e.g 3)
The balanced equation below represents the first step in the ionisation of sulphuric acid
in water:

7.1.1 Write down the FORMULAE of the TWO bases in the equation above. (2)
7.1.2 Is sulphuric acid a STRONG or a WEAK acid? Give a reason for the answer. (2)

7.2 Learners use the reaction of a sulphuric acid solution with a sodium hydroxide
solution in two different experiments. The balanced equation for the reaction is:

7.2.1 They use of (aq) in a titration to neutralise of NaOH(aq). Calculate the

concentration of the NaOH(aq). (5)
7.2.2 In another experiment, of the is added to of a NaOH solution in a beaker. Calculate
the pH of the final solution. (8)
e.g 4) (FS/January 2021
Classwork (FS/January 2021)
Classwork (FS/January 2021)
1.)
classwork
 Backward titration (indirect titration)

When and why do we have to back titrate?

When an insoluble basic/acidic salt is involved
When the acid-base reaction is too slow
When the substance to be used is volatile
When the end-point is hard to be recognised
 Steps in solving backward titration problems

 Step 1:
Or
Impure Acidic salt+ base (added) Salt + water + base



 Step 2:
Or
base+Acid(titrated)



Calculations:
Or
 Backward titration problems:
Percentage Purity or impurity

e.g 1)
1.) Ten grams () of an impure sample of sodium carbonate is added
of a solution of hydrochloric acid. The acid is in excess. The
equation for the reaction is:

1.1 Balance the equation above

1.2 Calculate the number of moles of hydrochloric acid
The excess acid neutralizes of a solution of of magnesium
hydroxide:

1.3 Calculate the percentage purity of the sodium carbonate

solution
e.g 2)
1.) A laboratory technician wants to
determine the percentage purity of
magnesium oxide. He dissolves a
sample of magnesium oxide in
hydrochloric acid of concentration .
1.1 Calculate the number of moles of
hydrochloric acid added to magnesium
oxide
He then uses the apparatus alongside
to titrate the EXCESS hydrochloric acid
in the above solution against a sodium
hydroxide solution.
1.2 write down the name of apparatus
Q in the diagram
 e.g 2 continues…..
1.3) The indicators in the table alongside are available
for the titration. INDICATOR pH RANGE
Which ONE the indicators (A, B or C) is most suitable
to indicate the exact end-point in this titration? Give a A 3,1-4,4
reason
1.4 During the titration , the technician uses distilled B 6,0-7,6
water to wash any sodium hydroxide spilled against
the sides of the erlenmeyer flask into the solution.
Give a reason why the addition of distilled water to C 8,3-10,0
the Erlenmeyer flask will not influence the results.
1.5) At the end-point of titration he finds that of a
sodium hydroxide has neutralized the EXCESS
hydrochloric acid . Calculate the number of moles of
hydrochloric acid in excess.
1.6) The balanced equation for the reaction between
magnesium oxide and hydrochloric acid is:

Calculate the percentage purity of the magnesium

oxide. Assume that only the magnesium oxide in the
4,5 g sample reacted with the acid
e.g 3.) Household vinegar contains 4,52% ethanoic acid, by volume. A 1,2 g
impure sample of calcium carbonate is added to household vinegar. On
completion of the reaction, the EXCESS ethanoic acid in the household
vinegar is neutralised by of a sodium hydroxide solution of concentration .
The balanced equation for the reaction is:
1. Calculate the number of moles of unreacted ethanoic acid
2. Calcium carbonate reacts with ethanoic acid according to the following
balanced equation:

Calculate the percentage calcium carbonate in the impure sample if of

household vinegar has a mass of
Classwork (DBE November 2015)