Acids and Bases Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to acids and bases, including definitions, properties, indicators, and the pH scale.

What is an acid?

An acid is a substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

What is a base?

A base is a substance that produces hydroxide ions (OH-) or accepts hydrogen ions (H+).

What color does blue litmus paper turn in the presence of an acid?

Blue litmus paper turns red in the presence of an acid.

What color does red litmus paper turn in the presence of a base?

Red litmus paper turns blue in the presence of a base.

What determines the strength of an acid or base?

The strength of an acid or base depends on the number of molecules that dissociate when dissolved in water.

What makes an acid a strong acid?

An acid is a strong acid if all of its molecules break apart to produce hydrogen ions.

What makes a base a weak base?

A base is a weak base if only a few molecules of it break apart to produce hydroxide ions.

What is the pH scale used for?

The pH scale is used to describe how acidic or basic a solution is.

What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A pH of 7 is considered neutral.

What pH values indicate a basic solution?

A pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

What pH values indicate an acidic solution?

A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution.