Chemical differences between acids and bases?
Chemical differences between acids and bases?
Acid
Base
Arrhenius Definition
An acid is any chemical compound which when dissolved in water gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water.
A base is an aqueous substance that can accept hydrogen ions.
Bronstead Lowry Definition
An acid is an substance which donates a proton.
A base is any substance which accepts a proton.
pH value
Less than 7.0
Greater than 7.0
Litmus paper
Blue litmus paper turns red
red litmus paper turns blue
Phenolphthalein
Remains colorless
Makes the solution pink
Dissociation (in water)
Acids free hydrogen ions (H+) when mixed with water.
Bases free hydroxide ions (OH-) when mixed with water.
Chemical Formula
An acid has a chemical formula with H at the beginning of it. For example, HCl (Hydrochloric Acid). There is one exception to his rule, CH3COOH = Acetic Acid (vinegar).
A base has a chemical formula with OH at the end of it. For example, NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide).
| Acid | Base | |
| Arrhenius Definition | An acid is any chemical compound which when dissolved in water gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water. | A base is an aqueous substance that can accept hydrogen ions. |
| Bronstead Lowry Definition | An acid is an substance which donates a proton. | A base is any substance which accepts a proton. |
| pH value | Less than 7.0 | Greater than 7.0 |
| Litmus paper | Blue litmus paper turns red | red litmus paper turns blue |
| Phenolphthalein | Remains colorless | Makes the solution pink |
| Dissociation (in water) | Acids free hydrogen ions (H+) when mixed with water. | Bases free hydroxide ions (OH-) when mixed with water. |
| Chemical Formula | An acid has a chemical formula with H at the beginning of it. For example, HCl (Hydrochloric Acid). There is one exception to his rule, CH3COOH = Acetic Acid (vinegar). | A base has a chemical formula with OH at the end of it. For example, NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide). |
