Definitions for Acids and Bases
        An  ACID is a compound that forms ions in solution and whose formula starts with “H”, and a  BASE is a compound that forms ions in solution and whose formula ends with “OH”.

The following properties can be used to help identify an acid or a base.

A substance is an ACID if it
      (a) conducts electricity when dissolved in water, and
      (b) reacts with a base, and
      (c) turns litmus paper RED*, and
      (d) reacts with magnesium or zinc to produce hydrogen gas, and
      (e) tastes sour.

A substance is a BASE if it
      (a) conducts electricity when dissolved in water, and
      (b) reacts with an acid, and
      (c) turns litmus paper BLUE*, and
      (d) feels slippery, and
      (e) tastes bitter.

     A substance that is neither an acid nor a base is said to be a NEUTRAL substance.

  NOTE :  There are only three types of solutions: acidic, neutral and basic. There is only one neutral
solution. However, there is a wide range of acidic solutions, from highly acidic to very slightly acidic. (A
“very slightly acidic” solution is almost neutral.) Similarly, there is a wide range of basic solutions, from
highly basic to very slightly basic. (A “very slightly basic” solution is almost neutral.)!!!!!