What are Acids and Bases?

Question

I need help answering this question..

interpret the differences between acids and bases. Construct how the use of one can afffect the use of the other.

Analyze a variety of common solutions and identify the properties of the components with in them.

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Answer 1

acids start with Hydrogen, ex. H2SO3, Hs04, ect.

Answer 2

acids and bases are solutions on the opposite end of the pH scale

Answer 3

An acid (often represented by the generic formula HA [H+A-]) is traditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water, i.e. a pH less than 7.0. That approximates the modern definition of Johannes Nicolaus Brønsted and Martin Lowry, who independently defined an acid as a compound which donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to another compound (called a base). Common examples include acetic acid (in vinegar) and sulfuric acid (used in car batteries). Acid/base systems are different from redox reactions in that there is no change in oxidation state.

In chemistry, a base is most commonly thought of as an aqueous substance that can accept protons. This refers to the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases. Alternate definitions of bases include electron pair donors (Lewis), as sources of hydroxide anions (Arrhenius) and can be (commonly) thought of as any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a pH higher than 7.0. Examples of simple bases are sodium hydroxide and ammonia.

Bases can be thought of as the chemical opposite of acids. A reaction between an acid and base is called neutralization. Bases and acids are seen as opposites because the effect of an acid is to increase the hydronium ion (H3O+) concentration in water, whereas bases reduce this concentration. Bases react with acids to produce water and salts (or their solutions).

Answer 4

The strict definitions are:

An ACID is a chemical or compound that DONATES an electron.

A BASE is a chemical or compound that ACCEPTS an electron.

HCl is hydochloric acid. NaOH is sodium hydroxide, a base. When they are mixed, HCl splits into H+ (losing an electron) and Cl- (taking along that electron). The base NaOH splits into Na+ (losing an electron) and OH- (taking along that electron).

H+ and OH- combine to form HOH or H20, water. Na+ and Cl- combines to form NaCl, which is sodium chloride or table SALT.

When any acid and base are mixed, they always form a SALT, such as NaCl, CaCl2, CaHCO3, etc.

Acid-base balance is extremely important in the human body and can be altered by many normal and pathologic processes. It is something a good physician must know inside and out.

Answer 5

Simply speaking, an acid is a chemical compound which dissociates  to release hydrogen ion (H+). Convesely, a base dissociates to release hydroxyl ion (OH-).

I did not really get the part (Construct how the use....etc); perhaps the answer to this is : Since the acid and bases neutralise each other to form salt and water, the presence of a base will reduce the action of an acid and vice versa.

The common solutions like lemonade, tea, milk, etc have a number of components and each of them possesses many physical and chemical properties. I think the question pertains to a definite topic discussed in your book/classroom and should be answered accordingly.

Answer 6

arent acid and bases just classified by the pH scale.  If you mix them together dont they neutralize