Question

Define Acids, Bases, abd ph?

Answer 1

Acids, bases, and pH are fundamental concepts in chemistry that describe the properties and behaviors of substances.

### Acids:
- **Definition**: Acids are substances that can donate a proton (H⁺ ion) in a chemical reaction. They have a pH less than 7.
- **Characteristics**:
- Taste sour (e.g., citric acid in lemons).
- Can turn blue litmus paper red.
- React with bases to form salts and water (neutralization).
- Common examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), and acetic acid (CH₃COOH).

### Bases:
- **Definition**: Bases are substances that can accept a proton or donate a hydroxide ion (OH⁻) in a chemical reaction. They have a pH greater than 7.
- **Characteristics**:
- Taste bitter and feel slippery (e.g., soap).
- Can turn red litmus paper blue.
- React with acids to form salts and water (neutralization).
- Common examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and ammonia (NH₃).

### pH:
- **Definition**: pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is a logarithmic scale that quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution.
- **Scale**:
- The pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14.
- pH < 7: Acidic solution (higher concentration of H⁺ ions).
- pH = 7: Neutral solution (pure water).
- pH > 7: Basic (alkaline) solution (lower concentration of H⁺ ions).
- **Calculation**: pH is calculated using the formula:

\[ \text{pH} = -\log[H^+] \]

where \([H^+]\) is the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.

Together, these concepts help in understanding chemical reactions, biological processes, and environmental science, among other fields.