Definitions of Acids & Bases

Acids and bases can be found all around us; in the foods we eat, in cleaning supplies and in chemical compounds used in science and industry. Acids and bases also play an important role in the normal metabolic function of the human body.

Acid

• An acid produces hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. When an acid and a base combine they can react with each other in a process called neutralization. Salt and water are usually formed in a neutralizing reaction. Acids have a sour taste. Too much acid in the human body is called acidosis.

Base

• A base is a compound that yields hydroxyl ions when dissolved in water. Bases produce a bitter taste and feel slippery to touch. An increase in the levels of bases in the human body is called alkadosis.

pH

• PH is a scale that is used to measure the relative number of hydrogen ions that are in an acid or base. An acid has a pH less than 7 and a base has a pH greater than 7. Water, which is said to be neutral, has a pH of 7.

Litmus Paper

• The easiest and cheapest way to determine whether a chemical is an acid or a base is to use a special paper called litmus paper. The paper is specially formulated to turn a particular color when it comes in contact with an acid or base.

Caution

• Chemicals with a very high pH (12 to 14) or a very low pH (1 to 2) can cause serious burns to skin and clothing.