vi.2. Acids and Base: Common Characteristics
Difference between Acids and Bases |
|
Acids |
Bases |
All acids generate hydrogen gas by reacting with metals. |
Base dissociates hydroxide ions in water. |
The electric current is carried through the acidic solution by ions. |
The electric current is carried through the basic solution by ions. |
Acids contain H+ ion as cation and anion such as in HCl, in HNO3, in H2SO4, CH3COO– in CH3COOH. Since the cation present in acids is H+, this suggests that acids produce hydrogen ions, H+ (aq), in solution, which are responsible for their acidic properties. |
Bases contain OH– ions. |
Examples: HCl, H2SO4, CH3COOH etc. |
Examples: NaOH, KOH, Mg(OH)2 etc. |
Do You Know? All bases do not dissolve in water. Bases which are soluble in water are called alkalis. They are soapy to touch, bitter and corrosive. |