Acids

Definition

Acids are substances that donate protons (H+) when dissolved in water. They have a pH less than 7 and can be strong or weak depending on their degree of ionization in water.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
2. The strength of an acid is measured by its ability to dissociate in water, with strong acids completely dissociating.
3. Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).
4. Acid-base reactions often result in the formation of water and salts.
5. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating an acidic solution.

Review Questions

• What happens to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) when an acid is added to water?
• How does the pH scale categorize acidic solutions?
• Give two examples of common acids and describe their uses.

Related terms

Base: Substances that accept protons (H+) and have a pH greater than 7.

pH Scale: A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

Buffer: A solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.