PROPERTIES OF ACID AND BASE

PROPERTIES OF ACID
 Acids conduct electricity (they are electrolytes)
Explanation: Acids undergo dissociation in aqueous solution to form H+ ions. When
electricity is passed through an aqueous solution of an acid, the H+ or the hydrogen ions
reach the cathode and each Hydrogen ion picks up one electron from the cathode to form H2
gas. Because of this reaction, an aqueous solution of acid conducts electricity.

 They turn blue litmus to red

Explanation: When blue litmus paper is placed in an acidic substance, it will turn red.
However, if placed in a substance that is basic or neutral, it will remain blue. The litmus
paper gives a general indication of acidity or alkalinity. Under the acidic conditions, the blue
paper turns red where the pH level is below 4.5.

 Acids can occur in solid, liquid or gaseous form.

 It has a sour taste

Examples are the Lemons and grapefruits because they contain acids such as citric and ascorbic
acid (vitamin C). Vinegar tastes sour because it contains acetic acid.

 They produce hydrogen after reacting with active metals like zinc, magnesium,
aluminum or iron.
 Acids have a low pH value below 7.
Explanation: If a solution contains more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions, it is said to
be acidic, and the pH of the solution is less than 7. If a molecule releases hydrogen ion in
water, it is an acid. The more hydrogen ions it releases, the stronger the acid, and the
lower the pH value.
 Salts and water are produced when an acid reacts with base.
 Some of the acids can be said corrosive in nature.

PROPERTIES OF ACID
 A base solution has pH balance more than 7.
 Bases have a bitter flavor
Examples are the household bases such as antacids, drain openers, and oven cleaners.
 When an aqueous base solution or molten bases solution is dissociated into ions,
they conduct electricity.
 Strong base reacts vigorously with acids and organic matter because these bases are
caustic. 
 Bases react in correct way with pH indicators. It turns litmus paper blue, methyl
orange yellow and phenolphthalein pink whereas Bromothymol blue remains blue
in the presence of a base.