Difference Between Acid and Base

Difference Between Acid and Base: Acid and Base are two very common terms in science and are used to differentiate between two large sets of compounds depending on their chemical behavior. Acids are chemical compounds that act as proton donors and can be easily recognized due to the possession of a releasable H+ ion. Bases are chemical compounds that act as proton acceptors and can be easily recognized in most cases, (inorganic bases) due to their possession of a releasable OH– ion. The main difference between acid and base is that acids act as proton donors whereas base act as proton acceptors. Upon the reaction of acids and bases in solutions, the H+ ions are neutralized by OH– ions, and they form water molecules together.

What is an Acid?

Acids are substances that transfer an ion of hydrogen (H+) to another molecule. (usually called a base). Traditionally, an acid was defined as a chemical molecule that, when dissolved in water, generates a solution with more hydrogen ions activity than pure water. Acids are known to turn blue with the litmus red.

Properties of Acid

1. Acids are naturally corrosive.
2. They are excellent electrical conductors.
3. Their pH levels are always lower than 7.
4. These substances produce hydrogen gas when they react with metals.
5. Acids have a sour flavor in taste.
6. Sulfuric acid [H₂SO₄], hydrochloric acid [HCl], and acetic acid [CH₃COOH] are a few examples.

What is Base?

An alkali, on the other hand, is a base that is soluble in nature. When volatile liquids (acids) are combined with particular compounds, salts form. Because the salts created would form an asphalt base, they became known as bases. Acids are H+ donors, whereas bases are H+ acceptors. Bases are known to turn red with the litmus blue.

Properties of Base

1. When they are touched, they have a soapy texture.
2. When these chemicals are dissolved in water, they emit hydroxide ions (OH- ions).
3. Bases are good conductors of electricity in their aqueous solutions.
4. Bases have pH values that are always greater than 7.
5. Bases are bitter-tasting chemicals that can turn red litmus paper blue.
6. Sodium hydroxide [NaOH], milk of magnesia [Mg(OH)₂], and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] are a few examples. 

Difference Between Acid and Base

Acid	Base
Acids are substances that donate hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.	Bases are substances that accept hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
Acids have a sour taste and a pH below 7.	Bases have a bitter taste and a pH above 7.
Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.	Bases react with acids to produce salt and water.
Acids turn blue litmus paper red.	Bases turn red litmus paper blue.
Examples of common acids include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and citric acid.	Examples of common bases include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.
Acids can cause corrosion and damage to certain materials.	Bases can be caustic and cause burns and damage to living tissue.
Acids would look solid, liquid, or in the form of gas.	Bases would feel slippery and solid in nature.
Acids are proton donors and electron pair acceptors.	Bases are proton acceptors and electron pair donors.

Conclusion

In summary, acids, and bases are two types of chemical substances with distinct properties and behaviors. Acids donate hydrogen ions in a solution, have a sour taste, and have a pH below 7. Bases, on the other hand, accept hydrogen ions, have a bitter taste, and a pH above 7. They react with each other to produce salt and water, and their interaction can be used in various chemical reactions and industrial processes. It is important to handle both acids and bases with care as they can be corrosive and cause damage to living tissue.

FAQs on Acid and Base

Q1. What is the definition of base and example?

Ans: Bases include sodium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and potassium oxide. A base is a substance that can neutralize the acid by interacting with hydrogen ions. Ammonium hydroxide is a common example of a base because it is an acceptor of a proton (H+).

Q2. What is an acid and what are its properties?

Ans: Acids are ionic substances that produce positive hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. Acids have a sour flavor when dissolved in water, conduct electricity, and react with metals to form hydrogen gas. Litmus and other indicator chemicals can be used to identify acids. Acids cause blue litmus to become red.

Q3. What is the key difference between an acid and a base?

Ans: Acids and bases are two types of corrosive chemicals. Any item with a pH between 0 and 7 is considered acidic, while anything with a pH between 7 and 14 is considered base. Bases, on the other hand, are ionic substances that, when dissolved in water, form hydroxide ions (OH-).

Q4. How will litmus turn when an acid reacts with it?

Ans: Acids are known to turn blue with the litmus red.