Lesson 8 of 8
Acids and Bases
Acids and bases are two opposite groups of substances. You measure how acidic or basic something is with the pH scale.
KEY TERM
The pH scale runs from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, exactly 7 is neutral (like pure water), and above 7 is basic (also called alkaline). Lower numbers mean stronger acids; higher numbers mean stronger bases.
Properties of Acids
- ●Taste sour (lemons, vinegar). Never taste lab chemicals.
- ●Release hydrogen ions (H+) in water.
- ●React with many metals and turn blue litmus paper red.
Properties of Bases
- ●Taste bitter and feel slippery (soap, baking soda).
- ●Release hydroxide ions (OH-) in water.
- ●Turn red litmus paper blue.
Neutralization
When an acid and a base react, they cancel each other out and produce water and a salt. This is called neutralization. For example, an acid plus a base can make water (H2O) and a salt such as NaCl.
Coach Fite
Acids and bases are opposites that balance each other out, just like work in the weight room balances rest. Know the pH scale cold and you've got this unit handled.
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