| Acid-Base chemistry is a really important topic that is | | | | When put in water, not all of the molecules break |
| covered at all levels of learning, from elementary | | | | apart... sometimes only a few break apart, leading to |
| school through university. It's one of the units in | | | | fewer H= ions in solution. This means the acid is weak. |
| chemistry that is easy to connect with because | | | | If all of the molecules break apart, then there are more |
| everyone has connections to acids and bases. The pH | | | | H+ ions in the solution, so it is a strong acid. |
| scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being most acidic, and | | | | We don't think that bases are as much a part of our |
| 14 being most basic. At 7, the pH is considered neutral. | | | | every day life as acids, but they are also very |
| Water is a neutral substance. | | | | common. Bases are slippery, because they're breaking |
| A lot of people are afraid of acids because they've | | | | down skin cells, so you don't get the friction between |
| heard how corrosive they can be, however you may | | | | your fingers when you rub them together. Bleach, |
| not realize how many acids you come into contact | | | | toothpaste and many household cleaners are basic. If |
| with on a regular basis. Coffee, tomatoes, soda, | | | | you've ever used a hair remover (like Nair) you've |
| vinegar and most fruits are acidic, however these are | | | | really experienced what a base can do. Bases can be |
| weaker acids. | | | | strong enough to break down your hair so you can |
| The quality that makes a chemical an acid is the ability | | | | wipe it right off of your legs. Bases can also remove |
| to lose a hydrogen ion in solution. A hydrogen ion (H+) | | | | all of the dye molecules from your clothing in the case |
| can also be known simply as a proton because a | | | | of bleach. |
| hydrogen atom is the most simple atom. It is made of | | | | The quality that makes a chemical basic is the ability to |
| one proton and one electron, so if it loses an electron | | | | donate OH- (hydroxide ions) in solution. A strong base |
| (therefore becoming positive) all that is left is a proton. | | | | dissociates completely (breaks up completely) in |
| The difference between a strong acid and a weak | | | | solution, so a weak one dissociates only slightly. |
| acid is the amount of Hydrogen ions that dissociate. | | | | |