acids and bases

acids and water

they are proton donors. When mixed with water, they release H⁺ ions. These combine with the water to make Hydroxonium ions, H₃O⁺.

Common acids: HCl (hydrochloric acid), H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric acid), HNO₃ (Nitric acid), CH₃COOH (Ethanoic acid)

bases and water

They are proton acceptors. When soluble in water they are known as alkalis. They release OH^- ions.

Common bases: NaOH (Sodium hydroxide), KOH (Potassium hydroxide), NH₃ (Ammonia).

Acids and bases can be strong or weak

Reaction between acids or bases with water is reversible. Strong acids/ bases favour the forward reaction so as many OH^- , H⁺ ions are dissociated. For weak the back reaction is favoured.

Acids react to form neutral salts

Acids and bases neutralise one another. This produces water and salt. The ions released form water. The salt is made when the H ions in the acid are replaced by metal ions or ammonium ions (NH₄⁺)

Acids react with metals and metal compounds

Metal + acid —> metal salt + hydrogen

Metal Oxide + acid —> salt + water

Metal hydroxide + acid —> salt + water

Metal carbonate + acid —> metal acid + carbon dioxide + water

Ammonia reacts with acids to make ammonia salts

Ammonia + Acid —> Ammonium salt

NH₃ + HNO₃ —> NH₄NO₃

Ionic equation: NH₃ + H⁺ —> NH₄⁺