Reactions between Acids and Bases

Common laboratory acids and bases

Bases

Sodium hydroxide: $NaOH$

Calcium hydroxide: $Ca(OH)₂$

Acids

Hydrochloric acid: $HCl$

Sulfric acid: $H₂SO₄$

Reactions

Neutralisation

Acid + base = neutralisation = salt + water

Examples

Tooth paste neutralises plaque acid that damages teeth

Vinegar is used to neutralise wasp stings because the stings are alkaline

Salt

Hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide => sodium chloride + water

          HCl + NaOH => NaCl + H₂O

Acid Rain

Carbon dioxide in the air mixes with rain water => acid rain

pH: 5.5 or lower

Problems

• Kills fish
• Kills trees
• Building damaged
• Dissolves limestone

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