Acids, Bases, and the pH Scale

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, formulas, properties, and pH scale characteristics of acids and bases.

Acids

Substances that release hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in water and often have chemical formulas starting with hydrogen atoms.

Bases

Substances that release hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) in water and usually contain hydroxide in their chemical formulas.

Hydrochloric Acid ($HCl$)

An acid that releases hydrogen ions ($H^+$) and chloride ions ($Cl^-$) when placed in water.

Sodium Hydroxide ($NaOH$)

A base that releases sodium ions ($Na^+$) and hydroxide ions ($OH^-$) in water; also used as a drain cleaner.

Acidic Properties

Characteristics including a sour taste and the potential to cause itching and burning.

Basic Properties

Characteristics including a bitter taste and a slippery or soapy feel.

Vitamin C ($HC_6H_7O_6$)

A substance classified as acidic, represented by the formula $HC_6H_7O_6$.

Vinegar ($HC_2H_3O_2$)

A sour liquid primarily used for cooking that is classified as acidic.

Baking Soda

A substance used for cooking and cleaning that is classified as basic.

pH Scale

A measure of the hydrogen ion ($H^+$) concentration of a substance used to determine its acidity.

Acidic pH Range

Values below $7$ on the pH scale; the lower the number, the more acidic the substance.

Basic pH Range

Values above $7$ on the pH scale; the higher the number, the more basic the substance.

Neutral

A substance with a pH of exactly $7.0$, such as water.

Strong Acids

Substances located at the lowest end of the pH scale, typically between pH $0$ and $4$.

Strong Bases

Substances located at the highest end of the pH scale, typically between pH $11$ and $14$, such as drain cleaner.

Weak Acids

Acidic substances with pH values closer to the neutral point of $7$, such as milk or tomatoes.

Weak Bases

Basic substances with pH values closer to the neutral point of $7$, such as eggs.