ACIDS AND ALKALI IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Acid
<introduction for acids>
• used to remove rust and other corrosion from metals in a process known as pickling.
• used as an electrolyte in a wet cell battery, such as sulfuric acid in a car battery.
• Strong acids, sulfuric acid in particular, are widely used in mineral processing. Etc: phosphate minerals react
with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid for the production of phosphate fertilizers, and zinc is produced by
dissolving zinc oxide into sulfuric acid, purifying the solution and electrowinning.
• In the chemical industry, acids react in neutralization reactions to produce salts. nitric acid reacts
with ammonia to produce ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer
• Acids are used as additives to drinks and foods, as they alter their taste and serve as preservatives (phosphoric
acid)
Steel used in construction is acid treated before painting. Dilute sulphuric or hydrochloric acid will remove any
surface rust which would otherwise spread under the painted surface.
Used to neutralize wounds that are alkali

Types of Acids
sulfuric acid-widely used in chemical industry to produce fertilizers and as an electrode in car batteries
phosphoric acid-rust removal, processed food use
nitric acid-a strong oxidizing agent,
 Alkali
good at dissolving oil and grease, so they are widely used in the manufacture of soaps and
detergents.
used to make soaps and paper which absorb carbon dioxide to make sodium carbonate which is
used in textile treatment, photography and glass making.
Used to make car batteries as they can conduct electricity
Detergents called dispersants are used to break up the oil and reduce environmental damage.
treat acidic soil by spreading lime (Calcium oxide) over their fields. This is a cheaply produced
alkali made from limestone. It neutralizes the acid in the soil, making it more fertile.
uses hydrochloric acid to break down food. Some foods cause your stomach to produce so
much acid that it gives you discomfort. Stomach powders or indigestion tablets can
cure this. They contain weak alkalis that neutralize the acidity,
used to make fertilizers and explosives