2. pH scale
pH stands for “potential of Hydrogen”
The pH scale is a range of values from 0-14 that
express the concentration of hydrogen ions in a
solution.
The more hydrogen ions, the lower the number
on the pH scale.
3. Acids & Bases on the pH scale
Acids range from 0-6.9
Acids have the most amount of hydrogen ions.
Bases range from 7.1-14
Bases have the least amount of hydrogen ions.
7 on the scale is pH neutral (neither an acid nor
a base)
4. Acids
An Acid is a chemical compound, that, when
dissolved in water has a pH of less than 7.
Acids taste sour, react with metals and
carbonates and will turn blue litmus paper red.
Acids are corrosive- they eat away at other
materials, especially metals.
Acids contain Hydrogen ions (H+)
5. Bases
Bases are chemical compounds that, when
dissolved in water, have a pH of above 7.
Bases taste bitter, feel slippery and turn red
litmus paper blue.
Bases are corrosive- they also eat away materials
(Acids are NOT the only dangerous substances
on the pH scale!!)
Bases contain Hydroxide ions (OH-)
6. Uses for Acids:
Acids are naturally in many of the foods we
eat :Tomatoes, lemons, oranges, and even leafy
green veggies!
Acids are also used in many fertilizers.
Acids can also be found in most batteries
7. Uses for Bases
Cement is made using bases
Many cleaning solutions used in the home are
bases (drain cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, soap)
Bases can also be found in baked goods such as
breads, cakes, and cookies!
8. Neutralizing Acids & Bases
The reaction between acids and bases is a called
neutralization.
The neutralization of acids and bases depends on
the identities, volumes and concentrations of the
reactants.
Salt and water will form as a result of acids and
bases neutralizing completely.
