Chapter 4 - Acids Bases And Salts Notes
What are Acids and Bases?
Acids are substances with a sour taste that can turn blue litmus paper red. They release
hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water. Here are some common examples:
Characteristics of Acids
Sour taste
Conduct electricity in solution
React with metals to produce hydrogen gas
React with bases to form salt and water (neutralization reaction)
Bases are substances with a bitter taste and slippery feel. They turn red litmus paper blue
and release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water. Some common examples are:
Characteristics of Bases
Bitter taste
Slippery to touch
Conduct electricity in solution
React with acids to form salt and water
Natural Indicators Around Us
1. Litmus: It has came from lichens In distilled water, it appears mauve (purple). When
added to an acidic solution, litmus turns red, and in a basic solution, it turns blue
2. Turmeric: turns yellow in acidic or neutral solutions and changes to red in basic solutions.
3. China Rose as an Indicator: The China Rose are used as a natural indicator. It turns acidic
solutions dark pink (Magenta) and basic solutions green.
Neutralization Reaction
The reaction between an acid and a base is known as neutralisation. The evolution of heat
produces salt and water in this process. To observe this reaction, we can use an indicator like
phenolphthalein, which is colourless in acidic solutions and turns pink in basic solutions.
Acid + Base → Salt + Water (Heat is evolved)
Neutralization in Everyday Life
1. Indigestion: Our stomach
naturally produces
hydrochloric acid to aid in
digestion. However,
excessive acid can lead to
indigestion, causing
discomfort and pain. To
PREVENT this, we take antacids like milk of magnesia, which contains magnesium
hydroxide. This base neutralizes the excess acid, providing relief.
2. Ant Bites: When an ant bites, it injects formic acid into the skin, causing irritation
and pain. To neutralize the effect, substances like moist baking soda (sodium
bicarbonate) or calamine lotion, which contains zinc carbonate, can be applied.
These bases counteract the acidic venom and reduce discomfort.
3. Soil Treatment: Overuse of chemical fertilizers can make soil too acidic, hindering
plant growth. To correct this, bases such as quick lime (calcium oxide) or slaked
lime (calcium hydroxide) are added to the soil to neutralize the acidity. If the soil is
too basic, organic matter like compost is used. As it decomposes, it releases acids
that balance the soil's pH, promoting healthy plant growth.
4. Factory Waste: Many factories produce acidic waste that, if released into water
bodies, can harm aquatic life by lowering the water’s pH. To prevent this, basic
substances are added to the waste before it is released, neutralizing the acids and
making it safer for the environment.
Chapter 5: Physical and Chemical Changes
Physical changes
A physical change involves a change in a substance’s appearance or state without altering
its chemical composition.
No new substance is formed.
Reversible and temporary.
Involves changes in shape, size, colour, or state (e.g., melting, freezing, cutting).
Little energy is involved (minor absorption or release of heat).
Examples:
Cutting a log: Only size/shape changes; substance remains the same.
Pouring a liquid: Changes distribution, not identity.
Heating air in a balloon: Air expands due to heat, but remains chemically
unchanged.
Chemical Change
A chemical change (chemical reaction) results in the formation of one or more new
substances with different chemical properties.
Key Characteristics:
New substance is formed.
Irreversible in most cases.
Accompanied by changes like colour, temperature, gas formation, or sound/light
emission.
Examples:
1. Baking Soda + Vinegar:
o Reactants: NaHCO₃ + Acetic acid
o Products: CO₂ (turns lime water milky), CaCO₃, H₂O
o Reaction:
CO₂ + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCO₃ + H₂O
2. Burning Magnesium Ribbon:
o Mg + O₂ → MgO (white ash)
3. Copper Sulphate + Iron:
o CuSO₄ (blue) + Fe → FeSO₄ (green) + Cu (brown)
o New substances formed.
Indicators of Chemical Change:
Heat/light produced
Sound may be heard
Smell may change
Colour change
Gas may be released
Rusting
A slow chemical change where iron reacts with oxygen and water, forming rust (Fe₂O₃).
Equation:
Fe + O₂ + H₂O → Fe₂O₃ (Rust)
Prevention:
Painting/lubrication to block air and moisture
Galvanization: Coating iron with zinc
Metal coating (e.g., chromium)
Crystallization
A physical process used to obtain pure crystals from a solution.
Involves cooling a hot, concentrated solution to form crystals.
Used to purify substances, e.g., copper sulfate.
Unlike simple evaporation, crystallization forms large, pure crystals.