Exhaustive Notes on Acids, Bases, Dissociation, and Chemical Equilibrium

Arrhenius Acid

Definition: Any compound that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+H+) when dissolved in water (H2OH2​O)

Impact of Acids on pH

Adding an acid to an aqueous solution increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+H+), causing the pH value to decrease.

 Arrhenius Base

 Any compound that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH−OH−) when dissolved in water (H2OH2O).

Brønsted-Lowry Acid

Any substance that donates a proton (H+H+donor) during a chemical reaction.

 Brønsted-Lowry Base

Any substance that accepts a proton (H+H+acceptor) during a chemical reaction.

 Electrolyte

A substance that dissociates into free mobile ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity.

Cation

A positively charged ion formed when a neutral atom or molecule loses one or more electrons.

Anion

A negatively charged ion formed when a neutral atom or molecule gains one or more electrons.

Strong Acid

 An acid that undergoes complete (≈100%≈100%) dissociation into constituent ions in an aqueous solution (e.g.,HClHCl).

 Weak Acid

 An acid that undergoes partial/incomplete dissociation in water, forming a dynamic chemical equilibrium between intact molecules and ions (e.g.,CH3COOHCH3COOH).

 Hydronium Ion (H3O+H3​O+)

The chemical species formed when a free proton (H+H+) attaches to an unshared electron pair of a water molecule (H2OH2​O).

Conjugate Acid

The chemical species formed on the product side after a Brønsted-Lowry base accepts a proton (H+H+).

Conjugate Base

The chemical species remaining on the product side after a Brønsted-Lowry acid donates a proton (H+H+)

Binary Hydro- Acids

Acids composed of hydrogen and a halogen anion, named using the pattern hydro- + root + -ic acid (e.g.,HClHCl is hydrochloric acid).

 Saponification (Base Tactile Feel)

The chemical process where strong bases turn skin fats/lipids into soap, causing a slippery or soapy sensation on contact.

 Phenolphthalein Indicator

 A chemical pH indicator that remains colorless in acidic solutions and turns bright pink in basic solutions.