Question

Write two properties of a substance which show the characteristics of an acid?

Answer 1

1. Acids

Acids are substances that are proton donors. They usually have a sour taste. These are found in citrus fruits like lemons (Citric acid), and vinegar containing Acetic acid. Acids show a pH of less than 7.

2. Properties of acid

1. Acids undergo a reaction with metals to form hydrogen as a product.

An example is given below:

$$\begin{gathered} 2\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)\to {\mathrm{MgCl}}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \left(\mathrm{Hydrogen}\right(\mathrm{Magnesium})(\mathrm{Magnesium})(\mathrm{Hydrogen}) \\ \mathrm{chloride})\mathrm{chloride}) \end{gathered}$$

2. Acids have the ability to change the colour of different indicators. It turns blue litmus paper red. This can be used to distinguish acids.