Question

Anatomy & Physiology:
Describe the most distinguish features of acids and bases.

Please help me!

Answer 1

Acid is any substance placed in water which makes hydrogen ions (H+), while base is any substances placed in water ad makes hydroxide ions (OH-). The properties of Acid is that it turns litmus to red, tastes sour, a good example is lemon, it contains citric acid. The properties of Base is that it turns litmus to blue, feels slippery (e.g. soap) and tastes bitter.

Answer 2

The definition that Zale gave above is the Arrhenius definition. If you're considering organic chemistry, then you're talking about the ability for molecules to accept or donate protons \((H^+)\) in a reaction. For example can act both as a base and an acid:

HA is a general acid, water acts as a base by accepting a proton.

\(H_2O + HA \rightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + A^-\)

B is a general base, water acts as an acid by donating a proton.

\(H_2O + B\rightleftharpoons OH^- +BH^+\)

Answer 3

Thank you both for the answer^^ I appreciate your help~! It helps a lot!