Acid, Base

Acids and bases are all around us, in the foods we eat, the products we use, and even inside our bodies.

How do we identify whether a substance is an acid or a base?

Substances that release hydrogen ions when mixed with water are called acids.

They have a sour taste, like lemons, vinegar, and yogurt. However, not all acids are safe to taste.

When dissolved in water, they conduct electricity because their ions move freely in the solution.

What about bases? Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions when mixed with water.

They have a bitter taste, like baking soda, or feel slippery, like soap.

When dissolved in water, bases also conduct electricity because of the freely moving ions.

When an acid and a base react to form salt and water, the chemical reaction is called neutralization.

This reaction cancels out their acidic and basic properties, resulting in a neutral solution.

For example, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide combine to form water and table salt.