Acid

Definition

Acids are substances that donate protons (H+) in a chemical reaction and have a pH less than 7. They often react with bases to form salts and water.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in an aqueous solution.
2. Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid ( $H_2SO_4$ ).
3. In stoichiometry, acids react with bases in neutralization reactions to produce water and a salt.
4. The strength of an acid is determined by its degree of ionization in water; strong acids fully dissociate while weak acids partially dissociate.
5. Acid-base reactions can be represented using balanced chemical equations.

Review Questions

• What is the general property of acids in terms of proton donation?
• How do strong acids differ from weak acids in terms of ionization?
• What are the products formed when an acid reacts with a base?

Related terms

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

Neutralization Reaction: A type of chemical reaction where an acid and a base react to form water and a salt.

$pH$: $pH$ is a scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution, ranging from 0 to 14.