Uses of Acids

Uses of Acids and Bases

Uses of Acids
• Vinegar, a diluted solution of acetic acid, has various
household applications. It is primarily used as a food
preservative.
• Citric acid is an integral part of lemon juice and orange
juice. It can also be used in the preservation of food.
• Sulfuric acid is widely used in batteries. The batteries used
to start the engines of automobiles commonly contain
this acid.
• The industrial production of explosives, dyes, paints, and
fertilizers involves the use of sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
• Phosphoric acid is a key ingredient in many soft drinks
Uses of Bases
• The manufacturing of soap and paper involves the use of
sodium hydroxide. NaOH is also used in the manufacture of
rayon.
• Ca(OH)2, also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide, is
used to manufacture bleaching powder.
• Dry mixes used in painting or decoration are made with the
help of calcium hydroxide.
• Magnesium hydroxide, also known as milk of magnesia, is
commonly used as a laxative. It also reduces any excess acidity
in the human stomach and is, therefore, used as an antacid.
• Any excess acidity in soils can be neutralized by employing
slaked lime.
• Ammonium hydroxide is a very important reagent used in
laboratories.
How do you identify acids and bases?

• To decide if a substance is an acid or a base, before and

after the reaction, count the hydrogens on each
substance. If the number of hydrogens decreased this
product is the acid (donates ions of hydrogen). If the
number of hydrogens has risen the substance is the
foundation (accepts hydrogen ions).
What is an acid and its properties?

• Acids are ionic compounds that, when dissolved in water,

produce positive hydrogen ions ( H+) When dissolved in
water, acids taste acidic, conduct electricity and react with
metals to create hydrogen gas. Certain indicator
compounds may be used to detect acids, such as litmus.
Acids transform red paper into blue litmus.
What is the main difference between an acid and a base?

Two types of corrosive compounds are the acids and bases.

Any material with a pH value between 0 and 7 is known to
be acidic while a pH value between 7 and 14 is a base. Acids
are ionic compounds that break apart to form a hydrogen
ion ( H+) in water.
What is the importance of acid?