Unlocking the Secrets of Acids and Bases: Chemistry’s Dynamic Duo

You know that acids, bases and salts are the main components in the world of chemistry that play a crucial role in various chemical reactions and processes. Understanding the different roles of and behavior of various types of acids and bases is crucial for the students as this knowledge will help them to master their professional skills. 

These acids and bases are characterized by their ability to accept and donate protons (positively charged ions), a concept mentioned in the Bronsted-Lowry theory. The pH scale not only measures the extent of acidity but also the alkalinity of a solution.

• pH = 0 to pH < 7 (acidic solution)
• pH = 7 (neutral)
• pH = greater than 7 (alkaline solution)

This dynamic duo is the backbone of various chemical processes, from industrial manufacturing to various biological systems. Let’s learn about the various properties of acids and bases.

• The acids have a sour-like taste and they transform the blue litmus paper to a bright red color (for example Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), whereas bases have a bitter taste and are slippery in nature. They turn red litmus paper into blue. For example Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH).
• The strength of an acid and a base is determined by its pH level. The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity level of a solution. pH values from 0 to 14, Values less 7 indicates acidic solution, 7 indicates neutral, and more than 7 indicates alkaline solution.
• As you know, when an acid reacts with a base, salt and water are formed, and it results in a neutral pH.
• Acids react with metals and produce hydrogen gas  whereas bases react with acids and form water and salt.
• Due to the presence of free ions, not only the acids but also the bases are good conductors of electricity in aqueous solutions.

What do you mean by the indicators?

Indicators are those substances that change their original color when they come in contact with an acidic or an alkaline solution. 
Examples include: Methyl Orange, Litmus paper, and Phenolphthalein.

• Litmus paper changes its color to blue in alkaline solutions and red in acidic solutions.
• Phenolphthalein is generally colorless in acidic solutions whereas it turns pink in color in alkaline solutions.
• Methyl Orange turns red in acidic solutions and medium yellow in alkaline ones!

What do you mean by the Arrhenius theory?

In the Arrhenius theory, acids are defined as those substances that dissociates to give protons in aqueous solutions while bases are those substances that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions.

NOTE: One contrasting feature of the Bronsted-Lowry theory to the Arrhenius theory is that for the dissociation to happen, it does not require an acid. 

Bronsted-Lowry Theory:

A Bronsted-Lowry acid is the acid that donates a proton whereas a Bronsted-Lowry base is defined as the base that accepts a proton.
Water is amphoteric in nature, which means that it can react both as a Bronsted-Lowry acid and Bronsted-Lowry base.

The Lewis Theory:

A lewis acid is an electron pair acceptor whereas a lewis base is an electron pair donor.