Acids and Bases

             Many acids and bases are things that we use every day. Actually the definition of an acid is any compound that forms H+ ions in solution. I have noticed that many acids have a level of pH lower than 7. The lower the number of pH the more acidic the substance is. Everyday substances that we know of, like stomach acid has a pH level of 1.5, which is extremely acidic. Lemon juice has a pH level of 2.5, tomato juice 4, acid rain 4.5, normal rain 6, milk 6.5 and pure water has a ph level of 7 which is neutral. 7 is neutral so any type of substance above or below 7 is either an acid or a base. Strong acids tend to have pH values that range from 1 to 3. For example, I found out that the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach is a very strong acid. Acids taste sour, change litmus red, and become less acidic when mixed with bases.
             A base is a substance that has a pH value of more than 7. The definition of a base is a compound that produces hydroxide ions in solution. I have noticed that many bases have a level of pH higher than 7. The higher the number of pH the more basic the substance is. Many bases are every day items just like acids. Human blood has a pH of 7.5, sea water 8.5, soap 10, Ammonia solution 11.5, bleach 12.5, and oven cleaner has a pH level of 13.5. Strong bases, such as lye, tend to have pH values ranging from 11 to 14. Bases feel slippery, change litmus blue, and become less basic when mixed with acids.
             ...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
Acids and Bases. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 18:54, April 24, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/24122.html