Science 10: Acids, Bases, and Salts

Practice vocabulary flashcards covering the properties, sources, and uses of common acids, bases, salts, and neutralization reactions based on the Science 10 Chemistry lecture.

Acids

Substances that have a sour taste, an irritating smell, are hot and corrosive, and act as good conductors of electricity with a pH level less than 7. They react with metals to produce hydrogen gas and turn blue litmus paper red.

$HCl$ (Hydrochloric Acid)

Also known as muriatic acid or spirits of salt, it is a strong acid ($32\%$ concentration shown) that functions as a primary digestive fluid, a pool water balancer, and an active ingredient in heavy-duty cleaners.

$H_2SO_4$ (Sulfuric Acid)

Known as oil of vitriol, this strong mineral acid is used as the electrolyte in lead-acid car batteries, a potent ingredient in drain cleaners, and a cornerstone for manufacturing agricultural fertilizers.

$HNO_3$ (Nitric Acid)

Known as aqua fortis (Latin for 'strong water'), it is a strong oxidizer used to dissolve noble metals like silver, manufacture nitrogen-based fertilizers (over $70\%$ of global use), and naturally 'age' wood furniture.

$CH_3COOH$ (Acetic Acid)

An organic weak acid found in vinegar, used in the food industry for preservation, as a mordant in textile dyeing, a coagulant in the rubber industry, and in photographic stop baths.

Ascorbic Acid

An organic acid sourced from guava and amla.

Citric Acid

A carboxylic acid naturally found in citrus fruits like lemons and oranges; it acts as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer.

Lactic Acid

An organic acid sourced from sour milk, also found in fermented foods and produced by muscles during exercise.

Methanoic Acid

An organic acid sourced from ant stings and nettle stings.

Oxalic Acid

An organic acid sourced from tomatoes.

Tartaric Acid

An organic acid sourced from tamarind.

Organic Acids

Carbon-based chemical compounds with acidic properties classified as weak acids because they only partially dissociate in solution to release hydrogen ions ($H^+$).

Carboxylic Acids

The most common group of organic acids, characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group ($-COOH$).

Malic Acid

A type of organic acid that gives a tart taste to apples and grapes.

Bases

Substances that have a bitter taste, irritating smell, slippery texture, and act as good conductors of electricity with a pH level greater than 7. They react with fats to form soap and turn red litmus paper blue.

$NaOH$ (Sodium Hydroxide)

Commonly called lye or caustic soda, it is a highly corrosive, white crystalline solid used to form soap when reacted with fats.

$KOH$ (Potassium Hydroxide)

Commonly called caustic potash or lye, it is used in the manufacture of soft liquid soaps, agricultural liquid fertilizers, and alkaline batteries.

$Ca(OH)_2$ (Calcium Hydroxide)

Also known as slaked lime or hydrated lime, it is used in municipal water treatment, commercial construction, agricultural soil amendment, and dentistry.

$NH_4OH$ (Ammonium Hydroxide)

Referred to as aqueous ammonia or ammonia water, it is primarily used in household and industrial cleaning and wastewater treatment.

$NaCl$ (Sodium Chloride)

An ionic compound made of $40\%$ sodium and $60\%$ chloride commonly known as table salt; used for seasoning, food preservation, and regulating body fluid balance.

$KCl$ (Potassium Chloride)

A salt used as a salt substitute and in medical applications.

$MgSO_4$ (Magnesium Sulfate)

A salt commonly known as Epsom salt, used in baths and as a laxative.

$CaCO_3$ (Calcium Carbonate)

Found in limestone, marble, and antacids, it is commonly known as calcite or chalk.

$NaHCO_3$ (Sodium Bicarbonate)

Commonly known as baking soda, it is used in cooking and as an antacid.

Neutralization Reaction

A special double displacement reaction where an acid react with a base to form water and salt; General equation: $\text{Acid} + \text{Base} \rightarrow \text{Salt} + \text{Water}$.

Amphoteric Compounds

Compounds that have the ability to act as either an acid or a base.