Question

how to recognize acid and base ?

Answer 1

I. Acids

*Acids are ionic compounds ( a compound with a positive or negative charge) that break apart in water to form a hydrogen ion (H+).

*The strength of an acid is based on the concentration of H+ ions in the solution. The more H+ the stronger the acid.
Example: HCl (Hydrochloric acid) in water







Characteristics of Acids:
**Acids taste sour
**Acids react strongly with metals (Zn + HCl)
**Strong Acids are dangerous and can burn your skin

Examples of Acids:
1. Vinegar 3. Citrus Fruits
2. Stomach Acid (HCl)

II. Bases

*Bases are ionic compounds that break apart to form a negatively charged hydroxide ion (OH-) in water.

*The strength of a base is determined by the concentration of Hydroxide ions (OH-). The greater the concentration of OH- ions the stronger the base.

Example: NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide-a strong base) in water





**Solutions containig bases are often called alkaline.


Characteristics of Bases:
**Bases taste bitter
**Bases feel slippery
**Strong bases are very dangerous and can burn your skin
Examples:
1. lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
2. Ammonia

Answer 2

If you want to identify them with Ph levels the scale is from 0 to 14 with the middle point (pH 7) being neutral (neither acidic or basic). Any pH number greater than 7 is considered a base and any pH number less than 7 is considered an acid. 0 is the strongest acid and 14 is the strongest base.