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What is an acid and what is a base? - Coggle Diagram
What is an acid and what is a base?
Theories
Arrhenius Theory
Acids are substances that dissociate in water to yield electrically charged atoms or molecules
Acids produce H+ ions
Bases are the same, but produce OH- ions
Bronsted-Lowry Theory
Any compound that can transfer protons is an acid
The compound that accepts the protons are bases
Lewis Theory
Acids are compounds able to attach to unshared electrons
The molecule with the available electrons is the base
Limitations of the theories
Arrhenius Theory
not being able to explain how ammonia is a base
the nature and role of a solvent
Bronsted-Lowry Theory
not explaining how acids and bases behave in non-aqueous solutions
cannot explain reactions between acidic oxides like CO2
Lewis Theory
Does not explain relative strength of acids and bases
Catalysts use H+ protons, so does not explain catalyst activity
Example of Acid + Base reactions in daily life
SO2 + NO2 --> H2O + HNO3
Acid Rain
Neutralisation
Occurs when an acid and base react to form salt and water
e.g farmers using calcium oxide to neutralise acidic soil
Properties of Acids and Bases
Acids
Sour taste
Turns litmus paper red
Conducts electricity in solution
Bases
Bitter Taste
Soapy feel in aqueous solution
Conducts electricity in solution
Turns litmus paper blue
pH scale
Used to determine the amount of hydrogen ions present in the substance
The more H+ ions present, the more acidic