Acids, Bases and the pH scale

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Acids, Basesand the pH scale
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pH scale

• pH stands for potential of Hydrogen
• The pH scale is a range of values from 0-14 that
  express the concentration of hydrogen ions in a
  solution.
• The more hydrogen ions, the lower the number on
  the pH scale.

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Acids Bases on the pH scale

• Acids range from 0-6.9
• Acids have the most amount of hydrogen ions.
• Bases range from 7.1-14
• Bases have the least amount of hydrogen ions.
• 7 on the scale is pH neutral (neither acid nor
  base)

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Acids

• An Acid is a chemical compound, that, when
  dissolved in water has a pH of less than 7.
• Acids taste sour, react with metals and
  carbonates and will turn blue litmus paper red.
• Acids are corrosive- they eat away at other
  materials, especially metals.
• Acids contain Hydrogen ions (H)

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Bases

• Bases are chemical compounds that, when dissolved
  in water, have a pH of above 7.
• Bases taste bitter, feel slippery and turn red
  litmus paper blue.
• Bases are corrosive- they also eat away materials
  (Acids are NOT the only dangerous substances on
  the pH scale!!)
• Bases contain Hydroxide ions (OH-)

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Uses for Acids

• Acids are naturally in many of the foods we eat
  Tomatoes, lemons, oranges, and even leafy green
  veggies!
• Acids are also used in many fertilizers.
• Acids can also be found in most batteries

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Uses for Bases

• Cement is made using bases
• Many cleaning solutions used in the home are
  bases (drain cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach,
  soap)
• Bases can also be found in baked goods such as
  breads, cakes, and cookies!

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Neutralizing Acids Bases

• The reaction between acids and bases is a called
  neutralization.
• The neutralization of acids and bases depends on
  the identities, volumes and concentrations of the
  reactants.
• Salt and water will form as a result of acids and
  bases neutralizing completely.