Chapter 6:Acids and alkalis

Acids
1. Acids are chemical compounds that containing
hydrogen which can replaced by a suitable metal.
2. Properties of acid:a)Tastes sour
b)Corrosive
3.Has pH value less than 7.
4.Changes the colour of the blue litmus paper to red.
5.Reacts with metals like magnesium,aluminium,zinc
and iron to release hydrogen gas.
6.Acid can be divided into two types,they are organic
acid and inorganic acid.
Example of organic acids Source
Acetic acid Vinegar
Formic acid Ants&wasps
Lactic acid Sour milk
Malic acid Young apples
Citric acid Limes,oranges
Tannic acid Tea leaves
Tartaric acid Grapes

Example of inorganic Source

acids
Sulphuric acid Laboratories
Nitric acid Laboratories
Hydrochloric acid Laboratories
Carbonic acid Carbonated drinks

Alkali
1. Alkali is formed when oxide or metal hydroxide
dissolves in water.
2. Properties of alkali:
a)Tastes bitter
b)Feels slippery like the soap when touched
c) Corrosive
d)Has more than 7 pH value
e)Changes red litmus paper to blue
f)Does not react with metal to release hydrogen
gas
g)Reacts with salt ammonia produces salt,water
and release ammonia gas when heated.

Comparison between Acid and Alkali

Similarities
1)Both has corrosive characteristics.
2)Both show acidic and alkaline characteristics in
water.
Acid Differences Alkali
Sour Taste Bitter
 No feel Feeling when Slippery
slippery touches
Changes to Effect on blue No change
red colour litmus paper
No change Effects on red Change to blue
litmus paper colour
Less than pH value Than7(pH8-14)
7(pH0-6)
Releases Reaction No reaction
hydrogen towards metal

Indicator Acid Neutral Alkaline

Litmus solution Red Purple Blue
Methyl Pink Orange Yellow
orange/red
Phenolphthalei Colourless Pale pink Bright
n red
Universal Yellow/red/ Green Blue
indicator orange violet/
purple
Source of acid in daily life:Car batteries,chemical
fertilisers,pickles,vinegar,paint,plastic,cakes,light
drinks,health salts,coagulate latex,Fruit juice,Food
preservative,Vitamin C pills,Clean metal
surfaces,Making fertilizers and explosives
Sources of Alkali in daily
life:Toothpaste,soap,medicine,slaked lime
fertiliser,cement,mortar,plastic and antacid medicine
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