Acids
Definition
An acid is a substance that donates a proton (H+) in a chemical reaction.
Properties of Acids
- Acids have a sour taste.
- Acids turn blue litmus paper red.
- Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
- Acids react with bases to form salts and water (neutralization reaction).
pH Scale
The pH scale is a measure of acidity or basicity of a solution. Acids have a pH less than 7.
Common Acids
| Acid | Formula |
|---|---|
| Hydrochloric acid | HCl |
| Sulfuric acid | H2SO4 |
| Nitric acid | HNO3 |
| Acetic acid | CH3COOH |
Acid-Base Reactions
When an acid reacts with a base, a neutralization reaction occurs, forming a salt and water. The general equation for the reaction is:
Common Uses of Acids
- Hydrochloric acid is used in the production of PVC and in the pickling of steel.
- Sulfuric acid is used in car batteries and in the production of fertilizers.
- Citric acid is used as a food preservative and flavoring agent.
[Acids] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Chemistry Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Atomic Structure - Set II
Worksheet/Answer key
Atomic Structure - Set II 
Worksheet/Answer key
Atomic Structure - Set II Worksheet/Answer key
Atomic Structure - Set II
Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by describing atoms and their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).
The student demonstrates an understanding of the interactions between matter and energy and the effects of these interactions on systems by recognizing that atoms emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation.
Concepts of Physical Science (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4)
The student demonstrates an understanding of the structure and properties of matter by using the periodic table to describe atoms in terms of their base components (i.e., protons, neutrons, electrons).