Acids - A substance that tastes sour in water, turns blue litmus red, and neutralizes bases is known as an acid. An acid is any hydrogen-containing substance that is capable of donating a proton (hydrogen ion) to another substance. Acidic substances are usually identified by their sour taste.
Acid is an H+ (aq) ion donor.
Arrhenius acid – when dissolved in water, dissociates to give H+ (aq) or H3O+ ion.
Acids Examples
- Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
- Nitric acid (HNO3)
Bases - A substance’s aqueous solution tastes bitter, turns red litmus blue, or neutralizes acids, is known as a base. A base is a molecule or ion able to accept a hydrogen ion from an acid.
Base is an H+ (aq) ion acceptor.
Arrhenius base – when dissolved in water, dissociates to give OH− ion.
Bases Examples
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
Salts - Salt is a neutral material that has no effect on litmus in aqueous solution.