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why are acids different from bases?

why are acids different from bases?

Grade:10

5 Answers

Pavitra
22 Points
8 years ago
acids donate protons while bases accept protons. 
therefore an acid-base reaction involves the giving and receiving of protons for neutralisation. 

acids have a pH of below 7, and bases have a pH of above 7 to 14. 
a pH of 7, however, is considered neutral. that is, neither acidic nor basic.
 
 
Rahul Jiji George
42 Points
8 years ago
protons? i dont think protons are involved because it is a chemical reaction and chemical reactions involve electrons only
Prateeti Sengupta
28 Points
8 years ago
When an acid dissociates, it releases H+ ions, while bases dissociate to form OH- ions. Thats the main difference. However for other dfferences, you can write that acids are sour and bases are astringent to taste, acids react with basic substances to form salt & water while bases react with bases to form salt and water.
Prateeti Sengupta
28 Points
8 years ago
I m sorry, it should be bases react with acids to form salt and water.
Abishek arun
153 Points
8 years ago
One is the Arrhenius definition, which revolves around the idea that acids are substances that ionize (break off) in an aqueous solution to produce hydrogen (H+) ions while basesproduce hydroxide (OH-) ions in solution.
Acid Base  
Definition Arrhenius Definition: An acid is any chemical compound which when dissolved in water gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water. Bronstead Lowry Definition: An acid is an substance which donates a proton. Arrhenius Definition: A base is an aqueous substance that can accept hydrogen ions. Bronstead Lowry Definition: A base is any substance which accepts a proton.
pH (measure of concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution) Less than 7.0. Greater than 7.0 and could go up to 14 in case of stronger bases.
Physical characteristics Depending on the temperature, acids can occur in solid, liquid or gaseous form. Taste sour. Bases feel slippery because of the reaction of the base with the oils of your hand. Frequently solids except ammonia which is a gas. Taste bitter.
Strength depends on concentration of the hydronium ions depends on concentration of the hydroxide ions
Phenolphthalein remains colorless Makes it pink
Other Properties Electrolytes, conduct electricity (because electrolytes), react with many metals. Electrolytes, conduct electricity, ranges from insoluble to so soluble that they can react with water vapor.
Dissociation Acids free hydrogen ions (H+) when mixed with water. Bases free hydroxide ions (OH-) when mixed with water.
Chemical Formula An acid has a chemical formula with H at the beginning of it. For example, HCl (Hydrochloric Acid). There is one exception to his rule, CH3COOH = Acetic Acid (vinegar) A base has a chemical formula with OH at the end of it. For example, NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide).
Examples Acetic acid i.e.CH3COOH and Sulfuric acid Sodium Hydroxide (NAOH) and Ammonia (NH3)
Litmus test Acids change litmus paper red. Bases change litmus paper blue.

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