Here’s a comparison of the properties of acids and bases based on the list you provided:
Acids:
- Essential for life: Yes (certain acids like amino acids and nucleic acids are crucial for biological functions)
- Lower pH than pure water: Yes (acids have a pH less than 7)
- Conduct electricity: Yes (acids ionize in solution, allowing them to conduct electricity)
- Sour taste: Yes (acids typically have a sour flavor)
- Turns litmus red: Yes (acids change blue litmus paper to red)
- Decreases hydrogen ion concentration: No (acids increase hydrogen ion concentration in a solution)
- Affects ions coming from water: Yes (acidity can affect the balance of ions in water)
Bases:
- Essential for life: Yes (certain bases like bicarbonate are crucial for maintaining pH balance in biological systems)
- Higher pH than pure water: Yes (bases have a pH greater than 7)
- Conduct electricity: Yes (bases also ionize in solution, allowing them to conduct electricity)
- Feels slippery: Yes (bases often feel slippery due to the presence of hydroxide ions)
- Sour taste: No (bases usually have a bitter taste)
- Decreases hydrogen ion concentration: Yes (bases decrease hydrogen ion concentration in a solution)
- Turns litmus red: No (bases change red litmus paper to blue)
- Affects ions coming from water: Yes (basicity can influence the ion balance in water)
Summary:
- pH: Acids have a lower pH (pH < 7) and bases have a higher pH (pH > 7).
- Taste and Feel: Acids are sour, while bases are bitter and slippery.
- Litmus Test: Acids turn litmus red; bases turn it blue.
- Hydrogen Ion Concentration: Acids increase H⁺ concentration; bases decrease it.
- Electric Conductivity: Both acids and bases can conduct electricity due to their ionization.
- Biological Relevance: Both are essential for life in various forms and functions.
By understanding these distinctions, you can better appreciate the roles of acids and bases in chemistry and biology.
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