Acids, Bases, Alkalis, and Neutralization

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions and properties of acids, bases, alkalis, the pH scale, and neutralization reactions.

Aqueous solution ($(aq)$)

A solution formed when a substance is dissolved in water.

Acid

A chemical that produces hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in aqueous solutions.

Hydrochloric acid ($HCl$)

An acid that splits in aqueous solution to release hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and chloride ions ($Cl^-$).

Sulfuric acid

An acid that splits in aqueous solution to produce hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and sulfate ions ($SO_4^{2-}$).

Nitric acid

An acid that splits in aqueous solution to produce hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and nitrate ions ($NO_3^-$).

Base

A chemical, usually a metal oxide or metal hydroxide, that can neutralize acids producing a salt and water.

Alkali

A base that is soluble in water, which produces hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) in aqueous solution.

Sodium hydroxide

A base that is soluble in water, making it both a base and an alkali, which splits in aqueous solution to produce sodium ions ($Na^+$) and hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).

Copper oxide and iron three hydroxide

Bases that are insoluble in water, classifying them as bases only rather than alkalis.

pH scale

A scale that gives information on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Acidic solution pH

A solution with a pH value between $0$ and $6$.

Neutral solution pH

A solution with a pH value of $7$.

Alkaline solution pH

A solution with a pH value between $8$ and $14$.

pH probe

A device that determines the pH of a solution electronically.

Universal indicator

A substance that changes color depending on pH, turning green in a neutral solution (pH $7$), red in a very acidic solution, and purple in a very alkaline solution.

Neutralization reaction

A reaction between an acid and an alkali where hydrogen ions react with hydroxide ions to produce water: $H^+ + OH^- \rightarrow H_2O$.