Acid and base are the most commonly used terminologies of chemistry. These are involved in a variety of chemical reactions. Students must have complete knowledge about them to use these properly. Besides this, ordinary people need to know what the base and acid are and how to deal with them.
Multiple Difference between acid and base
Acid and base are opposite to each other. It is essential to keep the body secure from spillage of acid as it is massively harmful. It can affect the skin quite drastically and lead to pathetic outcomes. The careful handling of acid matters a lot, and hence when the students are dealing with acid, they must ensure optimum care.
Definition
The chemical compound that gives protons or H+ ions when dissolved in water is known as acid. In contrast, the aqueous substance responsible for accepting protons or H+ ions is known as base. Besides this, it is also capable of releasing hydroxide ions and donating electrons. It is pretty simple to clear the difference between acid and base based on the proton or H+ ions. The proton acceptance characterizes the base, and hence it is the proton acceptor. However, the acid is the one that characterizes or is papular by the proton donation and hence known as a proton donor.
Characteristics and Features
Base and acid comprise different characteristics and features from each other. Acids are primarily solid at average room temperature except for ethanoic acid and formic acid. They are good conductors of electricity and can corrode metals with ease. When base encounters with acid, then chemical reaction takes place. Water and salt produce upon the reaction of base and acid. The taste of base is bitter and comes in various types, such as
- Solid base
- Neutral base
- Superbase
- Weak base
- Strong base
Examples Difference between acid and base
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), Lithium hydroxide (LiOH), etc., are the most common examples of the base. While acetylsalicylic acid, citric acid, carbonic acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, etc., are examples of acid. One can quickly get to know from the chemical bottle label that either it is Bases mostly have hydroxide in their name.
Also read: Difference between growth and development
Identification Test
The best way to differentiate the acid and base is the litmus test. It is not possible to tell whether the chemical bottle has had in it. So, the excellent solution for this is to test either it is the base or the acid. The limit test is the ultimate solution and does not demand much effort, chemicals, or equipment. Litmus paper is present in the chemistry lab. So, whenever you are having difficulty in recognition of chemical compounds in the chemical bottle. Take the litmus paper and dip it into the chemical solution. Acid is the substance that can turn the blue litmus red. However, the base functions opposite to it and turns the red litmus blue. When there is no change to the litmus paper, it is a clear indication of a neutral solution.
