<strong>Understanding chemistry: </strong><strong>What are acids and bases exactly?</strong>
Chemistry can be quite challenging for some kids to understand. The sheer variety of topics which fall under it is often overwhelming for school-goers. However, with clear, straight-to-the-point explanations of certain fundamental concepts, learning this subject is a breeze. A clear understanding of acids and bases is one of the stepping stones which helps in laying a solid foundation in comprehending other complex topics. Here is an easy-to-understand guide which explains what acids and bases are, and how they work.
What are acids?
The word ‘acid’ is derived from the Latin word ‘acere’ which translates to ‘sour’ in English. Any substance which contains hydrogen and has the capacity to donate a hydrogen ion (proton) to another substance is referred to as an acid. The easiest way to identify an acidic substance is by their taste- they are typically sour.
Examples of acidic substances: lemons, oranges, vinegar, sulfuric acid, etc.
What are bases?
The word ‘base’ was popularised when it was first used by French chemist Louis Lémory in 1717. Unlike acids, bases are typically identified by their bitter taste and slippery texture. Such a substance had the ability to neutralise an acidic substance by reacting with hydrogen ions. Moreover, a base usually accepts a hydrogen ion from an acid.
Examples of basic substances: soap, toothpaste, bleach, lime water, cleaning agents, etc.
How do we know whether a substance is an acid or a base?
The easiest way to find out if a substance is acid or basic in nature is by doing a litmus test. A litmus test is done using litmus paper. It is essentially a paper that has been treated with an indicator which is an amalgamation of anywhere between 10-15 natural dyes. These dyes are obtained from lichens such as roccella tinctorial. In a litmus test, if the red litmus paper turns blue, it is a clear indication that the substance is a base. On the other hand, if a blue litmus paper turns red, it confirms that the substance is an acid.
A pH scale is another trusted way to measure how acidic or basic the certain substance is. This scale has a measure of 0-14, where 0 is the most acidic substance and 14, the most basic.
Acids and Bases Experiment
A home experiment can help students identify whether a substance is acid or basic in nature!
What you will need
- Litmus paper (red and blue)
- Vinegar
- Soap
- Orange juice
- Dish cleaner
- 4 beakers
What you need to do
- Put a small amount (5-6 drops) of vinegar, soap, orange juice and dish cleaner in 4 different beakers.
- Test each substance by dipping both the red and blue litmus papers in it one at a time.
- Take a note of your observations and classify which substances are acids and which are bases.