ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

We are frequently using acids and

bases in our every aspects of life.
 ACIDS AND BASES
Acids
• `The word acid is derived from
Latin words “acidus”.
• Acids have sour taste.
• It turn blue litmus paper red.
• It changes the colour of acid-
base indicators.
• Aq. solution of acids conduct
electric current and are very
corrosive (destroy fabric and
cause burns on the skin)
Bases
• A base is any metal oxide or
hydroxide that react with an
acid to produce salt and water.
• Bases have bitter taste and
feel soapy.
• It turns red litmus paper blue.
• It changes the colour of acid
bases indicators.
• Strong bases are corrosive and
conduct electricity when
dissolve in water.
 Arrhenius Concept of Acids and Bases

• A Swedish chemist in 1884 explained the

aqueous solutions of acids and bases can
conduct electric current by producing ions in
aqueous solution.
• An acids is a chemical substance that dissociates in
aqueous solution to give (H+) hydrogen ions.
• HCl H+ + Cl-
• A base is a chemical substance that dissociates in
aqueous solution to give hyroxyl ions (OH-)
• NaOH Na+ + OH-
 Some common Acids and their uses
Name Formula Common use

Hydrochloric Acid HCl Cleaning of metals , ricks and removing

scales from boilers

Nitric Acid HNO3 Manufacturing of fertilizers, explosives

Sulphuric acid H2SO4 Manufacturing of many chemicals, drugs,

dyes, paints and explosives.

Phosphoric acid H3PO4 Manufacturing of fertilizers, acidulant for

food.
 Common uses of bases
Name Formula Common name

Sodium hydroxide NaOH Soap making, drain cleaners

Potassium hydroxide KOH Making liquid soap, shaving cream

Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2 Making mortar, plaster, cement

Magnesium hydoxide Mg(OH)2 Anacids, laxative

Limitations Arrhenius Concept of Acids
and Bases
The limitations of this concept are:
i. It is limited to aqueous medium only.
ii. It is limited to hydrogen ion (H+) only and
bases are limited to hydroxide ions.
iii. It cannot explain the acidic nature of CO2
and SO2 and also the basic nature of NH3