BRIGHT RIDERS SCHOOL, ABU DHABI

NOTES: Acids, Bases and Salts (2022-23)

Grade: VII Subject: Science

Question and Answers:

1. Toothpastes are slightly basic in nature. Give reason.

Ans: Tooth decay is caused by the acid produced due to the bacterial decomposition of food
particles stuck in our teeth. This causes corrosion and decay of teeth. Toothpaste is slightly
basic in nature. So it neutralizes the excess acid around the teeth and prevents tooth decay.
2. What will you observe when
a) a drop of sodium hydroxide is added to blue litmus?
b) a drop of hydrochloric acid is added to china rose indicator?
Ans: a) No colour change because sodium hydroxide is a base.
b) It will change into magenta (dark pink) in colour as hydrochloric acid is acidic in
nature.
3. Describe the neutralization reaction with an example.
Ans: The reaction between an acid and a base is known as neutralization reaction. In this
reaction, both acid and base cancel each other's effect. Neutralization reaction results in the
formation of salt and water. During this reaction, energy is evolved in the form of heat
Acid + Base Salt + Water + Heat
For example, when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to hydrochloric acid (HCI), sodium
chloride (NaCl) and water (H20) are obtained.
 4. If baking soda is added to vinegar, how will the temperature of the mixture change?
Identify what is making the temperature change?

Ans: The mixture of baking soda and vinegar turns warm. Neutralization reaction occurs and
makes the temperature change as baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid that releases
heat.

5. Is distilled water acidic or basic or neutral? How would you verify it?

Ans: Distilled water is neutral. One can verify it by showing that neither red nor blue litmus
paper changes its colour when dipped in distilled water.

6. Why does the Taj Mahal, a great Indian monument, turning yellow?

Ans: Burning of fossil fuels release oxides of nitrogen and sulphur into the atmosphere. These
oxides combine with moisture to form nitric acid and sulphuric acid which come down as acid
rain. The acids in the acid rain react with marble (calcium carbonate) and degrade it. So, it
turns yellow.

7.Explain why:

1) An antacid tablet is taken when you suffer from acidity.

2) Factory waste is neutralized before disposing it into the water bodies.

1) We take an antacid like magnesium hydroxide to neutralize the extra acid which is released
in our stomach.

2) The waste which comes from factories contains acid, and if this acid is dumped into the
water body, it harms the organisms present in it. So, it is necessary to neutralize this waste by
adding a basic substance like quick lime or slaked lime.

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Important Note:
Refer the given link – Text book Exercise (Pg.74 to 77)
https://www.netexplanations.com/lakhmir-singh-manjit-kaur-class-7-science-5th-chapter-
acids-bases-and-salts-solution/