Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
&
pH Scale
Ref:
1.Russo, S., & Silver, M. E. (2010). Introductory Chemistry (3rd ed.) United States:
Prentice Hall.
2.www.about.com
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Objectives
To determine the difference between Acids & Bases
What is pH?
What is the importance of pH scale?
Discuss the importance of studying Acids & Bases
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Characteristics Of Acid
1. An acid is a substance that breaks into Hions in an
aqueous solution e.g. water
HCl H+ + Cl-
H 2O
2. A sour taste (citric acid)
3. It turns blue litmus paper red
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Characteristics Of Base
1. A Base (alkaline) is a substance that breaks into ions in OH
an aqueous solution
NaOH Na+ + OH-
H 2O
2. Bitter taste (Milk of Magnesia)
3. It feels slippery (Soapy Water)
4. It turns Red Litmus Blue.
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
What does “pH” mean?
pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the
hydrogen ion concentration.
Mathematically: pH = -log [H+]
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
What is the pH scale? [H+] pH
Basic
10-14 14 1 M NaOH
10-13 13
Ammonia
7 10-12 12
(household
Acid Base 10-11 11
cleaner)
10-10 10
0 pH Scale 14
10-9
10-8
9
8
Neutral
Blood
10-7 7
Pure wate
10-6 6
Milk
10-5 5
The pH scale measures how
10-4 4
acidic or basic a solution is?
10-3 3 Vinegar
Lemon juice
Acidic
10-2 2
Stomach acid
10-1 1
100 0 1 M HCl
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Identifying Acids with pH scale
Acids have a ph from 0-7
Lower pH value indicates a stronger acid.
Examples:
Acetic acid (CH3COOH)-Weak acid
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) - Mild acid
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4)- Strong acid
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Identifying Bases with pH scale
Bases have a pH from 7-14
Higher pH value indicates a stronger base.
Examples:
Ammonia (NH3): Weak base
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Strong base
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
What will happen when the pH of a substance is 7?
A pH level of 7 indicates a Neutral
Substance i.e. Water
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
pH of few food substances
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Chapter 4: Acid, Base & pH
Exercise
Q1. Write the properties of an acid or base and state examples
Q2. Indicate if the following substances are acid or base or
neutral
a) Lemon b) HCL c) NaOH d) Dettol
e) Milk f) water g) Vinegar h) Red bull
Q3. What is a pH scale. Explain
Q4. If the pH of sea water becomes 0, can marine life survive?
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