ACIDS AND ALKALIS
Safe acids
Vinegar
Cola
Citric acid
Acetic acid
Carbonic acid
Strong acids - corrosive – can destroy living tissues
and cause chemical burns
Hydrochloric acid
Nitric acid
Sulphuric acid
Concentration – the amount of a particular
substance contained within a particular volume of
liquid.
Alkalis – chemically opposite of acids, soapy. Alkalis
and acids react to form neutral substances – not
corrosive. Strong acids and strong alkalis are
dangerous.
Strong alkalis are corrosive but can be diluted to
make it less harmful. E.g baking soda, sodium
hydroxide, lime water.
Indicators – substances that change to a different
colour in acids and alkalis.
Blue litmus Red litmus
In acids Turns red No change
In alkalis No change Turns blue
Neutral solutions No change No change
Strongly acidic Red
Weakly acidic Yellow
Neutral Green
Weakly alkaline Blue
Strongly alkaline Purple
Ph Scale
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14
NEUTRALISATION IN DAILY LIFE
Antacids
Too much acidic food causes indigestion. We take antacids such
as Milk of Magnesia that contain magnesium hydroxide. This is
alkali to neutralize acid. Hydrochloric acid + magnesium
hydroxide = magnesium chloride [salt] + water
Toothpaste
Food/drinks contain acids that damage teeth. Toothpaste is
slightly alkaline – neutralise acid in mouth and protect enamel.
Toothpaste contain bases such as magnesium hydroxide and
calcium hydroxide.
Acidic soil
Some soils too acidic for crops. Farmers add Lime [calcium
oxide/calcium hydroxide] to neutralize soil.
Bee stings
Bee stings contain acid – apply baking soda [mild alkali] to
neutralize acid.
Wasp stings
Wasp stings contain alkali – apply acetic acid like vinegar [mild
acid] to neutralize alkali.
Factory waste
Factories release acid and alkaline waste that can harm
environment. Before releasing, acid waste treated with alkaline
and alkaline waste treated with acid. Prevents pollution, acid rain,
damage to oceans.
Chemical reactions
Acid + alkali --- salt + water
Hydrochloric acid + Sodium hydroxide --- sodium
chloride + water
Hydrochloric acid + Lithium hydroxide -- lithium
chloride + water
Hydrochloric acid + aluminum hydroxide----- aluminum
chloride + water
Sulfuric acid + Sodium hydroxide ---- sodium sulfate +
water
Neutralization of substances produces salts. Different
acids and alkalis produce different salts
Hydrochloric acid – chloride salts e.g. lithium chloride
Sulfuric acid – sulfate salts e.g. sodium sulfate
Nitric acid – nitrate salts e.g. potassium nitrate
Which acid and alkali would produce ammonium
sulfate?
Sulfuric acid + ammonium hydroxide
What is the approximate Ph of sodium hydroxide?
Ph 14 – highly alkaline
How could spilled concentrated acid safe to be
mopped up?
Neutralize: Sprinkle a mild base like baking soda
generously over the spill, and use litmus paper to test the
area. If it is still acidic (red/orange), add more baking
soda until the paper turns green/blue, indicating it is
neutral.
What is a base?
A base is any substance, soluble or insoluble, that
neutralizes an acid, forming salt and water. Alkali is a
base.
Why is it not a good idea to use sodium hydroxide
[Ph 13] to neutralize excess stomach acid?
It is a corrosive alkali which can cause chemical burns to
the tissues of the throat, esophagus, and stomach. It also
makes stomach at a highly alkaline pH, which also
causes severe digestive issues. Indigestion remedies
usually have Ph of 9 or so, so it does no lessen the acidity
in stomach too much.
How does acid clean metals?
Iron and steel can rust, forming iron oxide (base). Sulfuric
acid can attack the rust and remove it via neutralization:
Sulfuric acid + iron oxide = iron sulfate + water
Why is acidic waste gases neutralized before
release into atmosphere?
Reduces possibility of acid rain.