7.4 The Formula and Structure of Common Acids

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to acids and bases, their properties, and their reactions.

Acid

A corrosive substance that has a sour taste, can react with solid substances, and can be strong or weak.

Strong Acid

An acid that can react to its full extent with other substances, examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

Weak Acid

An acid that does not completely ionize in solution, examples include ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) and carbonic acid (H2CO3).

Base

A substance that has a bitter taste and feels slippery or soapy, and can be strong or weak.

Alkali

A base that can be dissolved in water.

pH scale

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

Neutralisation Reaction

A chemical reaction between an acid and a base that produces water and a salt.

Corrosive

The property of a substance to destroy or damage materials by chemical action.

Pickling

The process of preserving food using acids.

Carbonic Acid

The main chemical compound responsible for fizz in soda water, formed from carbon dioxide and water.

Decomposition Reaction

A reaction where a compound breaks down into simpler components.

Synthesis Reaction

A reaction where simpler substances combine to form a more complex compound.

Antacid

A weak base used to neutralize excess stomach acid to relieve indigestion.

Formic Acid

An acid produced in ant stings that can cause pain.

Baking Soda

A base known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) used in cooking and cleaning.

Hydrochloric Acid

A strong acid (HCl) found in stomach acid.

Sulfuric Acid

A strong acid (H2SO4) used in industrial processes.

Citric Acid

A weak acid (C6H8O7) present in citrus fruits.

Ethanoic Acid

Also known as acetic acid, found in vinegar, used in food preservation.