What is the difference between an acid and a base?
Acid Bases
Definition: Acids are substances that can donate
protons (hydrogen ions, H⁺) to other
substances. In aqueous solutions, they
increase the concentration of H⁺ ions.
Taste: Some acids have a sour taste.
Electrolyte Acids are electrolytes, which means
: they can conduct electricity when
dissolved in water because they
release ions (H⁺ and anions).
pH: Acids have a pH value less than 7 on
the pH scale. Strong acids have a
lower pH than weak acids.
Examples: Common examples of acids include
hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid
(H₂SO₄), and acetic acid
(CH₃COOH).
Bases are substances that can accept
protons (H⁺ ions) or donate hydroxide
ions (OH⁻) to other substances. In
aqueous solutions, they increase the
concentration of OH⁻ ions.
Some bases have a bitter taste, and
many are soapy to the touch.
Bases are also electrolytes because they
release ions (OH⁻ and cations) in
aqueous solutions.
Bases have a pH value greater than 7
on the pH scale. Strong bases have a
higher pH than weak bases.
Common examples of bases include
sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium
hydroxide (KOH), and ammonia
(NH₃).