Arrhenius theory: Acids are any substances that increase the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) in solution. Brønsted-Lowry theory: Acids are any substances that can act as proton donors. Lewis theory: Acids are any substances that can accept a pair of electrons.
Arrhenius theory: Bases are any substances that donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Brønsted-Lowry theory: Bases are any substances capable of accepting a proton. Lewis theory: Bases are any substances capable of donating a pair of electrons.
You’ve probably been encouraged to take vitamin C if you have a cold. Vitamin C is the common name for ascorbic acid, which is found in citrus fruits.
Toothpaste is also a base. [6] X Research source This is why it tastes so weird to drink orange juice (which contains high levels of citric acid) after you’ve just brushed your teeth.
They’re sticky They taste sour They have a sickly sweet smell, like soured milk[8] X Research source They have a pH of less than 7. 0 They produce hydrogen gas and salt in reaction to metal[9] X Research source
They’re slippery They taste bitter They have a pH higher than 7. 0 They’re odorless and capable of neutralizing odors[11] X Research source
For example, while you’ve likely heard of vinegar before, you might not know that it’s technically acetic acid. So there’s the word acid right in the name, although it’s not the name most commonly used for the substance. If you’re looking at a chemical formula, acids typically start with H.
For example, ammonia is also known as ammonium hydroxide. The “hydroxide” part of the name tells you it’s a base. You can also look at the chemical formula of the substance. If it’s a base, it typically ends with hydroxide (OH-).
