Acid and Alkali

The properties of acid

Corrosive nature Taste sour Effects on litmus paper blue to red pH value less than 7 Reaction with metals acids react with an active metals to give off hydrogen ‡ Reaction with carbonates gives off carbon dioxides ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

The properties of alkali

‡ Corrosive nature ‡ Taste bitter ‡ Feel soapy feel ‡ Effects on litmus paper- red to blue ‡ pH value- more than 7 ‡ Reaction with ammonium salts - Ammonia gas ( a pungent gas) is released

The role of water in showing the properties of acid and alkali

‡ When a pieces of dry blue litmus paper is added to solid citric acid, there is no change ‡ When some water is added, the litmus paper turn to red ‡ Acids only function as acids in aqueous solution ‡ Similarly when a dry red litmus paper is added to solid barium hydroxide, there is no change unless when water is added.

Acids
‡ Is a substance with a sour taste, turns blue litmus red, corrosive and reacts with metals to give hydrogen gas. pH is less than 7 ‡ Common acids that are used in the lab: ‡ Hydrochloric acid ‡ Sulphuric acid ‡ Nitric acid

Alkali
‡ Is a substance with a bitter taste, turns red litmus blue, corrosive and soapy feel. pH is more than 7 ‡ Common alkalis that are used in the lab: ‡ Sodium hydroxide ‡ potassium hydroxide ‡ Calcium hydroxide ‡ Ammonium hydroxide

Identify the substances

‡ Acidid more acidic when less than 7 ‡Alkaline more alkaline when more than 7 ‡Neutral when pH is 7

Uses of acids in daily life

Acids Nitric acid Citric and tartaric acid Acetic acid Boric acid Ascorbic acid Carbonic acid Formic acid Sulphuric acid Uses Make fertilisers, dye Produces fruits juices and health salts Make synthetic fibre, preserve food As eye wash Vitamin C tablets Prepare carbonated drink Coagulate latex Car batteries

Uses of alkalis in daily life

Alkalis Sodium hydroxide Ammonia Magnesium hydroxide Calcium hydroxide Potassium hydroxide Uses Making soap and detergents As household cleaner Make fertiliser Produce toothpaste Used in antacid to ease stomacheache due to excess acid Used to raise the pH of acidic soil for healthy growth of plants Make liquid soap Prepare dye and paints remover

Neutralisation
‡ The process in which acid reacts with an alkali to form a neutral solution containing a salt. Acid + Alkali Salt + Water ‡ HCl + NaOH ‡ H2SO4 + KOH ‡ HNO3 + CaOH NaCl + H2O K2SO4 + H2O Ca( NO3)2 + H2O

Uses of neutralisation
‡ Wasp stings are alkaline, treated with vinegar ‡ Antacids contains alkali, which used to reduce acidity in stomach ‡ Bee or red ants injects acidic liquids. So rubbing with calamine lotion which contains alkali ‡ Toothpastes are alkaline. Neutralise the acid around our teeth. This acid produce by the bacteria ‡ Shampoos are usually slightly alkaline. They neutralise the acidic oil which the skin secretes to keep the hair healthy and strong.