Question

What are the uses of acids and bases?

Answer 1

Acids:

1. It is any hydrogen comprising substance, which possesses the tendency of donating a proton to another substance.
2. They turn blue litmus red.
3. Any substance having pH below 7 are considered acidic.

Bases:

1. It is any substance, that in a solution of water tastes bitter and is slippery to touch.
2. They turn red litmus blue.
3. Any substance having pH above 7 is basic or alkaline.

Uses of acids:

1. Vinegar, a diluted acetic acid solution is used as a food preservative.
2. Sulfuric acid is widely used in batteries.
3. Nitric acid and sulfuric acid are used in the industrial production of explosives, dyes, fertilizers, and paints.
4. Phosphoric acid is the main constituent in different soft drinks.

Uses of bases:

1. Sodium hydroxide is used in the production of soap and paper. It is also used in the production of rayon.
2. Slaked lime or calcium hydroxide is used in the production of bleaching powder.
3. Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative.
4. Ammonium hydroxide is an essential reagent in laboratories.