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Chapter 18: Acids, Bases, and Salts

18.1: Defining Acids and Bases

Acid
A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in an aqueous solution.
Base
A substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in an aqueous solution.
Electrolyte
Any substance that produces ions in solution, allowing it to conduct electricity.
Neutralization Reaction
A chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces water and a salt.

Observable Properties

Acids
  • Taste sour
  • Conduct electricity (electrolytes)
  • React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
  • Turn litmus paper red
  • Neutralize bases
Bases
  • Taste bitter
  • Feel slippery
  • Conduct electricity (electrolytes)
  • Turn litmus paper blue
  • Neutralize acids

Acid-Base Models

Arrhenius Model
Classifies acids as substances that release H⁺ ions and bases as substances that release OH⁻ ions in aqueous solutions.
Brønsted-Lowry Model
Defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors.
Lewis Model
Defines acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors.

Example: Neutralization Reaction

The reaction of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produces sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) and water (H₂O).

Questions for Students

  1. List the observable physical and chemical properties of acids and bases.
  2. Explain the differences between the Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis models of acids and bases.
  3. Provide an example of a neutralization reaction and describe the products formed.
  4. What is the role of electrolytes in acids and bases?
  5. Describe how acids and bases affect litmus paper.