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Chapter 19: Problem 5

What is the difference between an acid and a base? What is the pH scale?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Acids donate protons and bases accept protons. The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, is used to measure how acidic or basic a solution is. A pH less than 7 is acidic, greater than 7 is basic, and 7 is neutral.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Acids

Acids are substances that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions. They often have a sour taste and can turn blue litmus paper red. Common examples of acids are hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and citric acid.
02

Understand Bases

Bases, on the other hand, are substances that can accept a proton or donate an electron pair in reactions. They can taste bitter and can turn red litmus paper blue. Sodium hydroxide and ammonia are common examples of bases.
03

Understand pH Scale

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14. Acidic solutions have a pH less than 7, basic or alkaline solutions have a pH greater than 7, and neutral solutions, like distilled water, have a pH of 7

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