Acids & Bases

An acid is a substance that produces H+ ions in water and has a sour taste. Acids can be corrosive and change litmus paper from blue to red.

A base is a substance that produces OH- ions in water, has a bitter taste, and feels slippery. Bases change litmus paper from red to blue.

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic.

A pH value below 7 indicates an acidic solution.

A pH value above 7 indicates a basic solution.

Acids typically have a sour taste.

Bases typically have a bitter taste.

Litmus paper turns from blue to red when it comes in contact with an acid.

Litmus paper turns from red to blue when it comes in contact with a base.

Common examples of acids include vinegar (acetic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid).