Textbook Question
Indicate whether each of the following statements is characteristic of an acid, a base, or both:
a. neutralizes acids
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Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249
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Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives19
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy53
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements58
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions38
- Ch.8 Gases30
- Ch.9 Solutions50
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium64
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons77
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones82
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides91
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis86
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production73
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 10, Problem 1a
Indicate whether each of the following statements is characteristic of an acid, a base, or both
c. produces H⁺ ions in water
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the definition of an acid: Acids are substances that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water. This is a key characteristic of acids according to the Arrhenius definition.
Recall the definition of a base: Bases are substances that increase the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water. Bases do not produce H⁺ ions in water.
Compare the given statement to the definitions: The statement mentions the production of H⁺ ions in water, which aligns with the definition of an acid.
Conclude that the characteristic described in the statement is specific to acids and not bases, as bases do not produce H⁺ ions in water.
State the final classification: The statement 'produces H⁺ ions in water' is characteristic of an acid.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Acids
Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺). This characteristic is fundamental to their definition, as acids typically have a sour taste and can react with bases to form salts and water. Common examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄).
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Bases
Bases are substances that, when dissolved in water, produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) or can accept hydrogen ions (H⁺). They are often characterized by a bitter taste and slippery feel. Common examples include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonia (NH₃). Bases can neutralize acids, forming water and salts.
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pH Scale
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, as seen in pure water. Understanding the pH scale is essential for determining the nature of a substance in aqueous solutions.
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