Acid-base reaction

Definition

An acid-base reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between an acid and a base, typically resulting in the formation of water and a salt. These reactions often involve the transfer of protons (H+) from the acid to the base.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acid-base reactions are classified as double displacement reactions where ions are exchanged between reactants.
2. The general equation for an acid-base reaction is: Acid + Base → Salt + Water.
3. Strong acids and bases dissociate completely in water, making them fully ionized in solution.
4. The pH scale is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 indicating acidic solutions and above 7 indicating basic solutions.
5. Neutralization is a specific type of acid-base reaction where an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt.

Review Questions

• What products are typically formed in an acid-base reaction?
• How does the strength of acids and bases affect their dissociation in water?
• What role does proton transfer play in an acid-base reaction?

Related terms

Neutralization:

A type of acid-base reaction where an acid reacts with a base to form water and a salt.

pH Scale:

A scale used to quantify the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic).

Double Displacement Reaction: A chemical reaction where two compounds exchange ions to form two new compounds.