Acid

Sony's ACID Music Studio software lets you turn your computer into a portable recording and mixing studio. The program supports song metadata, which is necessary for a song's title to appear within…

The neutralization of acid occurs when an acid and a base interact to create a salt compound, as well as a neutralized base. Rocks such as limestone and many rudimentary soil samples carry natural…

Developed by Sony, Screenblast Acid is a music creation program that specifically uses prerecorded tracks such as guitar melodies and drum beats to create music. With an editing and mixing interface,…

A natural or chemically created film of color that forms on metals, specifically copper, silver and bronze, characterizes a patina. Many people value metal jewelry that has a naturally darkened patina…

Limestone is a porous rock made from the compressed remains of sea life, particularly shellfish. It contains a lot of calcium because of this, and, because it's formed by compression, it can contain…

Bathrooms are dirty places that sometimes require stronger than normal cleaners. One ingredient that's commonly found in household cleaning agents is phosphoric acid. While the concentration of…

The toilet bowl is an area that sees frequent use. Besides gathering stains from dust, dirt and waste, toilets are also subject to accumulating mineral deposits. These deposits, which are often termed…

Scientists measure the acidity or alkalinity of waste water from mines, sewage stations and the like by comparing it to water samples containing known levels of various minerals and impurities through…

With its shiny appearance and superb conductivity, copper's is used in household wires, computer circuitry, decorative objects and even the Statue of Liberty. Its use in pennies makes it a common part…

When your bathtub was first installed, it had a shiny ceramic finish that protected its surface from minor damage and stains. Over time, however, your bathtub can lose its protective finish, leaving…

Under normal circumstances, you should never pour any sort of acid into your sink, toilet, storm drain or gutter, where it can damage your plumbing and enter the water system. Most acidic solutions,…

When concrete is poured to create walkways, pool decks or patios or the like, it can dry to create a smooth, somewhat slick surface. If that surface gets wet, walking across it can be dangerous. On…

Natural limestone adds eye appeal, a durable surface and the interest of tiny fossils contained in the stone. Limestone is often used for floor and countertop surfaces but requires special care to…

An acid perm is a hair treatment method mainly using chemicals and heat to treat hair strands. In this process, a hair stylist applies glyceryl monothioglycolate to a person’s hair and cures it…

There are numerous hazardous materials that can result in bodily injury, property damage and, in severe cases, death if not handled properly. One type of such materials are acids. Corrosive acids are…

Many household cleaning products use acids to break down dirt, grime and tarnish. Among these acids is sulfonic acid, an organosulfur compound, or a compound that contains sulfur. A quick glance at…

Teflon, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is prized for its lack of friction and is present in everything from cookware to piping to arterial surgery. In addition to having a surface so slick that…

Aluminum is one of the most abundant metals on earth, and it's a material used in manufacturing products from soda cans to kitchen appliances and trailers. However, sometimes aluminum develops a…

Stearic acid, or stearin, is a derivative of animal and vegetable fats and is often used in the manufacture of candles, among many other uses. It is a waxy and very hard solid. Prior to its…

Clay is a naturally occurred compound that primarily consists of aluminum silicate Al2(SiO3)3. Oxalic acid is the organic acid with the formula C2H2O4 and often presents in the clay minerals in the…

Acid etching is a style of art that involves burning away parts of the surface of a material to create slight indentations. Creating acid etchings can be dangerous due to the harsh chemicals involved…

Mastering is the final process a track goes through before it is pressed to CD or played on the radio. Mixing is the first step in attaining a good master, as the process of mastering is simply a…

The science of acids and bases (also known as alkalis) is one of the fundamental areas of chemistry. Introduce yourself to the basics of acids and bases trough easy experiments, which you can complete…

Though the most acidic presoaks contain hydrofluoric acid because hydrofluoric acid tends to clean cars more effectively than low-acid varieties -- the high-acid version can actually damage your…

Quartz comprises 20 percent of the Earth’s crust. Crystalline silica is mostly quartz with small additions of crystobalite and tridymite, other crystalline versions of silica. It is a human…

Yucca is a perfect desert showcase plant for the garden. Its spiky leaves and towering flower stalks lined with creamy-white flowers are water wise and attractive. Yucca is tolerant and withstands and…

There are three different definitions of an acidic compound. The Arrhenius definition states than an acidic compound dissociates into H+ ions. The Bronsted Lowry definition refers to an acidic…

Nitric acid is highly corrosive to organic and inorganic materials and must be handled with care. It is an oxidizing agent that reacts violently with alcohols, acetone and other chemicals and is…

Shrubs are mainstays of many residential landscapes, providing much of the framework for home gardens. Whether in a traditional foundation planting, a hedge or as specimen plants, shrubs not only…

Far below the horizon of human visibility, the world is made up of atoms. These atoms 'snap together' to make molecules and those molecules snap together to make bigger molecules. Everything in the…

Although caffeic acid is a component of coffee, it is not related to caffeine. A naturally occurring organic compound, it may be found in many plants including fruits, nuts, and coffee beans. It does…

Hydrochloric acid (HCl), also known as muriatic acid, is a colorless solution with a pungent, irritating odor. The acid forms when hydrogen chloride dissolves in water. Its molecular weight is 36.47…

Most vegetables and many landscape plants grow best in slightly acidic soil. If soil pH is outside optimal levels, nutrients are unavailable for plants to utilize. Insufficient nutrition compromises…

The synthesis of several complex organic compounds follows a multistep synthesis. "Multistep synthesis" refers to the procedure in which the product of one reaction serves as the starting material in…

Marble flooring, tile and vanities create a look of luxury and elegance to home décor. Marble surfaces require special care, however, and ordinary cleaning compounds can ruin the natural shine.…

Acids are compounds that contain hydrogen and can dissolve in water to release hydrogen (H+) ions into the solution. Bases are substances that dissolve in water to release hydroxide ions (OH-) into…

Knowing the alkalinity and acidity of a solution is critical information in any science experiment related to the pH scale. Its practical applications span nearly all scientifice fields, from the…

Hydrosulfuric acid is a dangerous toxin that affects both the environment and the health of living organisms, including humans. In high concentrations, the foul-smelling gas can even prove deadly.…

Rainwater is typically a little acidic, because atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves in the water to form carbonic acid. According to the EPA, a normal pH for rainwater is about ~5.6 or so. In many…

Finding out what happens when a metal is dropped into an acid is a good way to understand some basic chemical reactions. Chemistry is the study of chemical elements and compounds and their reactions…

Normality describes the number of hydrogen ions that break free from one liter of an acid in the presence of a base, or the number of hydroxide ions that break free from a base in the presence of an…

Hydrogen chloride is a corrosive gas at standard temperature (0 degrees Celsius) and pressure (1 atmosphere). Water will dissolve hydrogen chloride gas to about 30% saturation to produce hydrochloric…

Hypochlorous acid is the primary disinfectant used for swimming pool maintenance, and is also called free chlorine. It "burns" any impurities in water and also kills microorganisms by rupturing the…

Humic acid is used for a variety of home and gardening needs. Many people use humic acid to improve soil quality. If you have humic acid and want to get rid of it, you can do so with little effort.…

Phosphorus and phosphate are closely related but are two different and distinct entities. Phosphorus is an element with the atomic number of 15. It occurs naturally on earth and is widely distributed…

Refining silver is fundamentally a three-step process. First, you obtain silver containing ores or materials. Then you add nitric acid, which reacts with the silver to form a liquid silver nitrate…

Dissolving paper is more difficult than one might think. While certain bio-degradable paper can be easily dissolved in water, most commercially used paper is significantly more durable; its…

The strength of rocks depends on many factors such as rock type, composition, weathering, joint structure, spacing or orientation and water pressure. Studying the composition of an intact rock can…

Many of the most useful antibiotics are derived from compounds originally isolated from microorganisms. Penicillin, as is well known, was first discovered in mold, and various other antibiotics were…

Cupronickel is one of the most durable metal combinations, even capable of withstanding immersion in boiling seawater. Therefore, corroding cupronickel requires the use of an extremely caustic acid…

Paraformaldehyde is a white solid formed by the combination of formaldehyde and water. It is similar in its chemical compound to formaldehyde and has essentially the same uses. Paraformaldehyde is…

Sulfur (sometimes still spelled "sulphur") is notoriously difficult to dissolve due to its nonpolar nature; even water, the "universal solvent," is not capable of dissolving sulfur. While some…

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, was discovered during the 1800s. However, DNA's function within cells as it pertains to genetics wasn't realized until 50 years later. A cell's purpose is established by…

There are number of fields that fall under the general moniker of mechanics. These include everything from rock to quantum mechanics. When choosing a seminar topic, pick a specific type of mechanics…

The gtt is a unit of volume used specifically in pharmacology. More familiarly known as a "drop," the unit was initially the gt and gtt was the plural form. A drop represents exactly 0.05 ml.

Black sand is a mixture made primarily of magnetite and hematite. It is very heavy (more than five times as dense as water) and difficult to separate from valuable materials that are commonly mixed…

For thousands of years, human beings have recognized the beauty of gold. The ancient Egyptians were making golden jewelry more than 5,000 years ago, and the legendary tomb of King Tutankhamen,…

Formic acid is a pungent-smelling substance which is colorless and corrosive. It is used in various day to day activities, such as dyeing and finishing in textile industries and tanneries. It is used…

Chemists often encounter lab procedures where some chemical product can be lost. Often these are techniques that involve purification of a product. One common method that can result in losses is…

Batteries are an indispensable component of our modern mobile world. Without batteries, we'd all need long extension cords attached to our cell phones, which would be dangerous and, frankly,…

Prussic acid, despite being a deadly poison, is very widespread. It is produced naturally by plants such as white clover and hydrangea, but it is also used or produced in many industrial processes.…

Phosphates and sulfates (the British spelling is "sulphates") share similarities in that both are salts of acids and both occur in nature as minerals. However, their molecular structures differ, they…

Microscopy is using technology to make things that are very small visible to the human eye. Scientists who view microorganisms and bacteria through microscopes must sometimes use a procedure called…

Zeolites are micro crystalline structures made from silicon, aluminum and oxygen that are highly porous and are able to absorb moisture. For this reason, zeolites are often used to help food stay…

While it is impossible to burn metal in the sense of classical combustion, mixing metals and acids can yield some truly spectacular results. By mixing magnesium metal with hydrochloric acid, you can…

The entire world breaks down into molecules, tiny particles to small to be seen with the naked eye. However, if you use a microscope, you can zoom in on these molecules and observe reactions. The…

A carboxyl, also known as a carboxyl or carboxy group, is a very common part of a functional group in an organic compound. It is written as -COOH and occurs on the end or side of a molecule. A…

Ribonucleic acid, also known as RNA, is one of the two major nucleic acids in the body. The other major nucleic acid is deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, which carries the genetic code of the cell.…

NaAc abbreviates the sodium salt of acetic acid with the chemical formula CH3COOH. Sodium acetate undergoes the hydrolysis according to the following equation: CH3COO(-) + Na(+) + H2O = CH3COOH +…

Some chemists have the exciting task of finding out what a sample is. They run a myriad of tests, each one designed to confirm or eliminate the possibility of the sample's identity. The tests they…

Acid rain is a growing problem all over the world. Pollutants from factories and automobiles make their ways into the clouds and then rain down on the Earth. Acid rain can have devastating effects on…

Boric or orthoboric acid is a colorless, white substance that acts as an acid in water. The European Union (EU) classifies it as a reprotoxic category 2 substance (as of July 2011), meaning they…

Chemists have known for a long time that strong acids are capable of dissolving certain metals. Copper metal can be dissolved in this manner, by adding it to concentrated nitric acid. In this…

Vinegar is a dilute acid that can be made more dilute using water, or it can be neutralized using a base, but it cannot be made into a base itself. The term "pH" stands for "potential hydrogen" --…

Practice makes perfect, and perfection is needed when calculating IV flow as microdrops per minute, especially if drugs are being administered. "Microdrops," abbreviated as µgtts, indicates that…

Understanding how acids and alkalies, or bases, work is one of the fundamentals in learning chemistry. Acids and alkalies are encountered every day in things like foods, juices and household…

Lactic acid is a waste product from the cellular breakdown of glucose in some organisms. The respiration process, where every cell in an organism takes in food and water to utilize glucose for energy,…

Scientists use acid-base titration to determine the amount of acid in a liquid such as vinegar or the amount of base in a beauty product like shampoo. To carry out the titration, they slowly add an…

People are drawn to water. For many, being immersed in water is relaxing, playful or energizing. In fact, human beings are so well-adapted for movement in the water that it was briefly theorized that…

Converting from pH to [H+], the concentration of hydrogen ions in water, is really easy. That's because pH is defined as the negative base 10 log of [H+], so to convert back to [H+], you need to work…

It seems simple to dissolve paper, but it takes more than water and detergent to do it. Many people have left paper in their pockets that made it safely through the washing machine. Paper only…

With air pollution levels rising, we are becoming more and more susceptible to diseases caused by Volatile Organic Compounds such as benzene and trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides,…

Like fingerprints, the melting point of an unknown organic compound gives clues to its identity. Organic compounds contain both carbon and hydrogen atoms and change from a solid to a liquid at a…

The concentration of solutions of strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), is often given in units of percentage. Percentage is the grams of acid per 100 grams of solution. The concentrated HCl…

There are many reasons to dissolve bronze, like to remove oxidation. Dissolving bronze, like other metals, requires the use of acid. Acids can burn the skin and eyes and ruin clothing. When working…

Pickling metal is an industrial term for the chemical removal of mill scale from metal that has been forged, rolled, or formed. Scale develops on the metals after the manufacturing steps and needs to…

Chemists often use the melting point of a chemical as a means to discover either its identity or its purity. This is because the melting point of a pure compound is constant, so finding a chemical's…

Often encountered in everyday life and chemistry, acids and bases are complete opposites, and have the ability to neutralize each other. Human bodies, for example, contain acids and bases that are…

In 1807, English scientist John Dalton proposed the first definition for what he called a "chemical compound." Compounds, he theorized, were combinations of more than one element in specific,…

The breakdown of glucose in your cells is divided into two different phases, the first of which is called glycolysis. One of the products of glycolysis is a molecule called pyruvate, which would…

Dissolving is a familiar process. Salt, for example, dissolves readily in water, as does sugar in coffee. On a molecular level, dissolving consists of the molecules of a solute -- salt or sugar --…

A lemon battery is a fun experiment you can do at home. It's simple and will teach you some basic chemistry. If you've already made a lemon battery (or are planning to make one), it's a good idea to…

Acids and bases can react with one another to neutralize a chemical reaction. A pH test determines whether an acid is present or not. Not all bases can dissolve within an acid. Strong bases such as…

Sulfuric acid, or H2SO4, is one of the strongest mineral acids -- but only if it is free of impurities. Sulfuric acid can be tested for various impurities, including sulphates of soda, potash, and…

Silver nitrate (AgNO3), a white granular solid, formed the basis for the earliest photographic experiments. Doctors once used silver nitrate dissolved in water as an antiseptic. Hydrochloric acid…

Kw, or the equilibrium constant of water, describes the balance between the forward reaction that occurs when water molecules form hydroxide (OH-) and hydronium (H3O+) ions and the reverse reaction of…

If you have a sample of an unknown solid substance and you want to find out whether it's an acid or a base, the simplest way is to dissolve it in water. An acid in solution decreases pH, while a base…

Two hydrogen (H) atoms and one oxygen (O) atom make up a single water molecule (H20). Sometimes water molecules in solution break up to form hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). When the…

The functional group, or groups, of an organic molecule make the molecule what it is. If an organic molecule is an acid or a base, or is hydrophilic, attracted to water, or hydrophobic, repelled by…

Muriatic acid is another term for hydrochloric acid (HCl) in water. Muriatic acid is known for being highly corrosive and dangerous. However, because it is so strong and simple to obtain, this acid is…

Chemical equations define how specific chemicals interact and react with one another. For simple reactions, the chemical equation is a single process, however many complex reactions occur that require…

The cow is a ruminant, one of a group of animals that have hooves, four-compartment stomachs and chew cud. Ruminants are herbivores, and in order to maintain proper digestion --- with a minimum of…

Acid-base reactions are neutralization reactions. Acids are proton donors, and bases are proton acceptors. Writing an equation describing the reaction between acids and bases follows a pattern. The…

Acid rain is caused by pollution in the atmosphere bonding with water droplets. The pollution itself is normally sulphur or nitrogen dioxide. These compounds combine with water in the atmosphere, fall…

The study of physical science, or studying the physical world around us, affects many aspects of our daily lives. You see these benefits in the ability to predict weather, the creation of maps, cars…

Natural sugars like fructose, glucose and sucrose are all carbon-based, as carbon is the basic building block of the natural world. Attached to the carbon atoms are many molecules of oxygen and…

Falling in love is one of the most powerful emotional experiences a person can have, but the experience is not just confined to the emotional realm. Love also induces a range of physiological effects…

Nucleosides are the precursors of nucleotides; DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) consist of strings, or polymers, of nucleotides. A nucleoside has two parts, a heterocyclic amine,…

There is no such thing as an albino roach. If you come across a white roach you have encountered it when it has outgrown its exterior shell. This is called molting. The roach has gotten too large for…

The difference between alkaline water and acidic water is the pH level. While distilled water has a neutral pH of 7, alkaline water contains a pH above 7 and acidic water contains a pH below 7.…

Acid rain refers to precipitation containing high amounts of sulfuric acid. The causes of this increased acid content includes natural sources, such as volcanoes and rotting plant debris, and man-made…

Acetone is a widely used household chemical found in nail polish remover and paint thinner. The chemical has a low level of toxicity and is naturally produced in the human body as a part of the…

The many varieties of octopus belong to the Cephalopoda family, meaning "head-footed." Ranging in size from a few inches up to several feet in length, these crustaceans earned the nickname "devil…

Borate is a salt or esther of boric acid found in nature in shale, coal, sedimentary rocks, in the oceans and in many soils. Borate has a wide variety of commercial and household uses, including in…

Physiology describes the physical nature of biological organisms. The discipline encompasses the study of organic functions and physical processes in organisms and not necessarily their behavior.…

A redox reaction is a chemical reaction where some compounds are oxidized while others are reduced. In this context, a compound is oxidized if it gains electrons in a reaction and it is reduced if it…

In chemistry, the acidity level is expressed on the pH scale. A pH of 7 defines a neutral medium. A value below 7 indicates acidic solutions, and a pH greater than 7 is basic. Gases exhibit a wide…

The Tasty Science Kit distributed by Giddy Up encourages children to experiment with everyday items found in the kitchen. The experiments are messy and tasty but none of them is dangerous. However,…

A number raised to a power X equals that number multiplied by itself X -- 1 time. For example, you can evaluate 5 to the third power by multiplying 5 x 5 x 5 = 125. You can divide a number to one…

Titration is a is a common procedure in high school and college lab classes that is useful for learning about basic chemistry. It's also a highly useful procedure in industry and in scientific fields…

Many of the conveniences in our modern world have been made possible through the application of chemistry. Many chemicals are caustic and hazardous to work with, but they are indispensable in the…

Ipriflavone and nucleotides fulfill very different roles. Nucleotides are the single molecular units that string together to form RNA and DNA, and are often called the building blocks of life.…

Boric acid and stearic acid have very different physical properties, so it's unlikely you'll ever mix the two up. If you do, however, you can easily tell them apart on the basis of their appearance…

In order to observe the titration of vinegar, you must add an indicator solution such as phenolphthalein to colorize the water and let you know when titration is complete. For 20 to 25 mL of vinegar,…

Elmer's Products, Inc., known best for their adhesives, purchased Giddy Up and Scientific Explorer in December 2006. Both of these companies are known for their production of children's craft…

You know how to calculate the pH of an acid in solution or a base in solution, but calculating the pH of two acids or two bases in solution is a little bit trickier. Using the formula described below,…

You can make hydrochloric acid (HCl) solutions by diluting a highly concentrated solution of the acid. Concentrated acid usually has a concentration of 12 molar (abbreviated 12 M), which means that…

Drawing a line 25 millimeters parallel to an edge is a precise task that requires precise tools. Different tools vary in cost and ease of use. Some tools you may already have in your household. In…

Like all other animals, your body needs ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to make an important protein called collagen. Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent that can donate electrons to or "reduce" another…

When it comes to memorizing lists, it's all about mnemonics: rhymes, songs or mental pictures. The sillier, more visual and more memorable the device, the better for remembering. These techniques are…

Imagine that you have a soccer ball and you want it to cross a nearby hill so it will reach your friend on the other side. For the ball to roll down the other side of the hill, you have to kick it…

Arrhenious form rate equation was created in 1889 by Svante Arrhenius which demonstrated a relationship between the rate constant for a reaction and temperature of at which the reaction occurs. This…

The Tasty Science kit manufactured by Giddy Up! contains the necessary items to conduct food experiments in your own kitchen. This kit is recommended for children 8 and up, but children should always…

Ascorbic acid is also known as vitamin C. According to "Organic Chemistry, A Short Course," humans can't synthesize ascorbic acid from glucose -- it must be consumed in their diet. You can find…

Chemists use equations to describe reactions. These equations don't give you the mechanism of the reaction, but they do show you the reactants and the products. In other words, they don't tell you how…

Unstained cells are typically clear or translucent, which makes them difficult to see and study. Therefore, microbiologists stain bacteria to improve their contrast and visibility under the…

Acetate (often mistakenly called acetone), can be produced from vinegar using several ingredients in a laboratory setting. Acetate is a derivative of acetic acid (a component of vinegar) and is one of…

In materials science and chemistry, a colloid represents a stable solution of small, solid particles suspended in a liquid. Colloids typically exhibit particle sizes less than 100 nanometers (nm). The…

For those who love to paint with oil paints, but hate the toxic fumes and mess, water soluble oils could be the answer. With water soluble oils, you can enjoy the same textures, properties and effects…

Chemistry instructors teach their students the adage "an acid and a base make a salt and water," which represents a simplification of the neutralization process. Identifying acids and bases from…

The most restrictive definition of a base is the Arrhenius definition, which describes a base as a substance that produces hydroxide ions in water. Sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and potassium…

Batteries are generally safe, as long as they are handled correctly. The voltage produced by most batteries is relatively low, between about 1.5 and 12 volts, compared to the 110 volts from your home…

Vitamin C is a colorless, water-soluble chemical that plays an important role in the human body. Unfortunately, your cells lack the machinery they need to synthesize it, so you have to consume it as…

The simplest definition of an acid relates to how it dissociates in water; an acid yields positive hydrogen ions in water. Acids that produce more hydrogen ions are stronger, while those that produce…

The pH of a solution represents the amount of acid or base the solution contains. In general, a pH of 7 represents a neutral solution with neither acidic nor basic character. A pH less than 7…

Roaches are common household pests. They can find their way inside your home through small openings around screens, pipes or doorways. Once inside, they can transmit germs and bacteria throughout your…

Introductory chemistry classes and labs have you practice lots of titration-related calculations because these types of problems allow you to familiarize yourself with aqueous acid-base equilibria…

Anyone who collects coins knows just how critical the cleaning process of pennies can be. Cleaning must be done in a way to avoid damaging the coin. Pineapple is a reliable option for cleaning pennies…

Nitric acid is a strong acid with the molecular formula HNO3. If you need to clean up a spill of this chemical, you should neutralize it with the acid neutralizer (typically sodium bicarbonate) in…

Standardizing a solution occurs to establish its molarity. A known primary standard acid provides a known amount of acid by its weight. At the endpoint of the titration, the amount of acid present…

Labs have a wide variety of applications for beakers. They are used to measure out liquids, to contain reaction mixtures, and to hold compounds while they are heated or cooled. As with other lab ware,…

Mineral oil and phosphate esters are both widely used as base stocks for industrial lubricants and related products. Although they are both common components of hydraulic fluids in particular, these…

The hereditary material found in almost every cell of the human body is called deoxyribonucleic acid, but is better known in its abbreviated form as DNA. DNA that is found in the nucleus of the cell…

Residents of mountainous areas are likely familiar with a phenomenon known as "rain shadow": westward slopes receive large quantities of precipitation, while the eastern slopes are nearly or…

Propanoic, or propionic acid, is a simple compound often used as a preservative in the feed and food industries. The manufacture of dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, agrochemicals, plastics and…

If you've ever mixed vinegar (which contains acetic acid) and sodium bicarbonate, which is a base, you've seen an acid-base or neutralization reaction before. Just like the vinegar and the baking…

Chemists use Lewis dot structures to represent the bonding schemes in molecules. The concept of Lewis structures primarily relies on the octet rule, which states that most atoms prefer eight electrons…

Acid rain is precipitation that has mixed with gases and elements in the atmosphere to become more acidic than normal. On the pH scale, where 7 is neutral, lower numbers indicate higher acidity. Acid…

Forensic biochemistry is the subset of chemistry that highlights research methods and techniques involving forensic investigations. The field is ever-changing as researchers, scientists and law…

When dissolved in water, acids donate one or more hydrogen atoms -- called a proton and abbreviated H+ -- to water molecules to make hydronium ions, H3O+. Some acids undergo this process to completion…

Chemists classify acids and bases as either strong or weak, with "weak" acids and bases representing the vast majority. When an acid dissolves in water, it undergoes a process known as dissociation,…

Geologists use acid tests to help determine the identity of certain rocks. Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, or HCl, acts as a strong acid. Rocks that contain carbonates react with…

A solution is simply a mixture of a solvent, such as water, and a solute, such as salt. The solute is dissolved in the solvent creating a solution. The percentage of a solution is the amount of solute…

Phosphoric acid, or H3PO4, is a chemical with a widespread variety of applications in both industry and food processing. This acid finds use in the manufacture of fertilizers, waxes, soaps and…

When you mix an acid like formic acid with water, it reaches an equilibrium where some formic acid molecules are giving up a hydrogen ion to become formate, while other formate ions are accepting a…

Indicators are large organic molecules used in chemistry to determine a substance's pH. They change to different colors depending on whether they are added to an acid, a base (also known as an alkali)…

Anhydrous citric acid is the name given to the waterless, granulated form of citric acid. This is a substance that occurs naturally in lemon juice. In 1784, Carl Scheele, a Swedish chemist,…

Dimethyl carbonate falls into a class of chemicals called volatile organic compounds, which means it is a carbon-based compound that vaporizes at normal temperatures. Its vapor is flammable and is an…

Acid or base strength refers to the extent to which a chemical dissociates into ions in the presence of water. The logarithmic pH scale serves as an indication of the concentration of dissociated…

Acid rain is defined by rainwater that contains higher than normal amounts of nitrate and sulfuric acids, according to the United states Environmental protection Agency. Acid rain is considered an…

Benzaldehyde and benzoic acid are two chemicals that are similar to one another in terms of their molecular structures. Despite this, there are many differences in their physical properties and…

Lactic acid fermentation occurs naturally when dissolved simple or complex carbohydrates come into contact with lactic acid producing bacteria in an oxygen free environment. This fermentation can be…

The process of fermentation takes place when carbohydrates, namely sugars, are broken down. Humans have used this process to their own ends for thousands of years. Countless types of food and drink…

Chemists use different types of concentrations for solutions depending on the application. One way to make a solution is by preparing a percent solution. This can give a concentration that relates the…

A chemical coding system is used universally by every living organism on Earth. The system is similar among the different species, but the exact code may not encode for the same protein in different…

You may want to modify the acidity of water for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are taking care of a swimming pool, and need to keep the water at the correct acidity to maintain chlorine levels, or…

Chemical equations are considered balanced when the number of atoms of each type of element are the same on each side of the equation. For example, if you have four carbon atoms on the left, or…

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, gets its name from its ability to stave off scurvy. The human body requires ascorbic acid to function normally, but the water-soluble vitamin has uses beyond keeping…

Humic acid derives from humus which is the layer of decomposition in soil and sediment caused by microorganisms. Its uses in diet and agriculture reach back thousands of years. Exactly how humic acid…

Corrosive means that a substance has harmful or destructive properties. Many acids and strong bases may come with a warning that they are corrosive. A corrosive substance may not have a written label,…

Yogurt is a fermented milk product that has many variations and uses in different parts of the world. Yogurt lasts longer than milk before spoiling because its acidity -- due to fermentation --…

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) belongs to a class of compounds called free radicals, which means that it has an unpaired electron, but no net charge. By acquiring a single electron, it can become the…

Plants respond not only to nutrients, moisture and sunlight, but also to gravity, magnetic fields and other factors. Certain special chemicals produce interesting effects in plants, called…

Cows are ruminants, meaning they regurgitate and re-chew their food, and possess a remarkably versatile digestive system. Most aspects of the cow's digestive system -- from its teeth to its esophagus…

Beakers are simple cylindrical containers made from borosilicate glass. Typically the bottom is flat and the top has a low lip, together with a small spout to help you pour out the contents. Beakers…

Benzoic acid is a crystalline substance that is used to form products like salts and esters. Discovered in the 16th century, it was commonly used to preserve food because it is antibacterial by…

Acids react with and dissolve most metals, but to achieve full dissolution, the resulting compounds must also exhibit solubility in water. Silver, for example, will dissolve in hydrochloric acid, or…

Soaps and detergents represent members of a broad class of compounds known as surfactants, or "surface-acting agents." Technically, the soaps represent surfactants formed from natural products such as…

Acids and bases are chemicals that are dangerous to human tissue. They may cause chemical burns, respiratory distress and fire hazards. The safety hazards are more serious when working with…

Eating fruits on a regular basis is part of a healthy, well-balanced diet. Fruits contain natural sugars, fructose and glucose, which are good for your overall health. It is important to note which…

In the scientific subfield of chemistry, many chemical reactions can take place that result in the creation of new chemicals, different from the original chemicals used in the experiment. However,…

Three compounds are identified as boric acid: metaboric acid, orthoboric acid and tetraboric acid. Boric acid can be used to make boron salts and other boron compounds. This acid is derived from…

No acid on its own can dissolve gold. This in one of the reasons why gold has long been a prized metal. It does not corrode. However, free chlorine ions combined with a strong acid can dissolve gold.…

The human body requires vitamin B-3, also known as niacin or nicotinic acid, for optimal wellness. Nicotinic acid contributes to heart health by keeping cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the…

Acids can corrode many different kinds of metals or wear them away through chemical processes. Not all metals react with acids in the same way, however, and some metals are more vulnerable to…

Pyruvic acid, sometimes referred to colloquially as pyruvate acid, is produced in the body during the metabolism of glucose or glycogen. This, in turn, supplies energy to the body's cells through one…

Fumaric acid is a naturally occurring acid that is required by both humans and animals for life. This acid is found in plants as well, and has been harnessed by food companies and scientists for its…

A crucial component to eating a healthy and balanced diet involves monitoring your acid intake. Foods that are very acidic can upset your stomach and irritate your digestive system, and it is…

Acid-base indicators are handy chemicals that change color over a given pH range. This property makes them useful as a means to monitor the pH of a solution during a chemistry experiment. The color…

Azelaic acid is an ingredient in a number of products for a wide variety of skin conditions. It commonly treats acne and sometimes treats rosacea and some cases of skin discoloration. For patients…

When you exercise, your body breaks down sugars to produce energy for your muscles. If your body is continually getting the oxygen that it needs, the only waste products are carbon dioxide and water.…

"Parts per" notation refers to proportionate measurements and not defined units of measurement. One part solution to four parts water means that proportionately, there should be four times as much…

Oxalic acid is one of the strongest known organic acids. Despite its toxic nature, oxalic acid enjoys a variety of uses in industry, primarily as a purifying agent in the pharmaceutical industry, a…

Bulimic or alcoholic patients are not the only people who suffer acid-damaged teeth. Anyone who does not brush regularly is at risk. Most foods contain some form of acids, which can damage tooth…

Fumaric acid is an organic acid with a broad range of uses. It is commonly used in medicine, cleaning and food, and is non-toxic and safe to handle. The acid can be found widely in nature and in…

Chemists clasify oxalic acid, molecular formula C(2)H(2)O(4), as a useful compound and a weak acid due to its relatively low rate of ionization in water. According to the International Programme on…

Acid and alkaline levels refer to the acidity or pH levels within the bloodstream after the consumption of food. Various foods and food groups in general are considered to be acid producing…

Hydrogen peroxide, or H2O2, represents one member of a broad class of compounds called peroxides. It acts as an oxidizer -- a compound that removes electrons from other compounds -- and consequently…

Citric acid is an organic acid that is often used as a preservative in foods or to impart a sour flavor. The acid is most notably found in various fruits, including lemons, limes and oranges. Citric…

The comb of a chicken or rooster contains pain-relieving material. The comb is the spiky red extensions on top of a chicken's head, and is the source of hyaluronic acid. When injected, hyaluronic acid…

Boric acid is used in very small concentrations in very specific medical applications, in much higher concentrations as an insecticide and as a preservative in timber and some animal hide treatments.…

The pKa of an acid is a measure of its strength: the lower the pKa, the stronger the acid. Hydrochloric acid has a pKa of -8, for example, while acetic acid (vinegar) has a pKa of 4.8. Determining the…

Often, when working in a chemistry lab or lab class, you'll need to prepare solutions of known concentration; for example, an acidic solution with a given concentration of acid. This procedure is…

Harvesting rainwater is a great way to water your garden or provide drinking water for livestock in an eco-friendly way. The only specialized equipment one would need to perform such a task is a…

All matter in the universe is comprised of various elements, held together by different bonds. Table sugar, called sucrose, is a disaccharide sugar compound made of both glucose and fructose. This…

Lactic acid is formed by lactic fermentation of sugars. Lactic acid can also be synthesized in the laboratory. Most of the lactic acid formed in mammals is made by muscle tissue and red blood cells.…

Phosphoric acid is a chemical commonly found in tap water. Testing for phosphoric acid can help promote healthy tap water as well as indicate adjustments needed for highly acidic aquarium water. Home…

To analyze DNA through electrophoresis, you must first prepare the gel. As its name implies, the gel is made from a mixture of a starch called agarose, usually sold in powdered form. Never mix the gel…

Acidity levels in the water can be a major concern in any environment. In natural environments where acidity levels are too high, water is unable to support life or sustain the natural ecosystem. High…

At room temperature, pure hydrogen chloride is a gas; it dissolves readily in water, however, and once dissolved is called hydrochloric acid. This corrosive solution has a number of characteristics by…

Copper atoms can lose one or two electrons to form positively charged ions, Cu+1 or Cu+2. They are called cuprous and cupric ions, respectively. Ordinary copper carbonate contains cupric ion and has…

Roaches are one of the most common household pests. They can find their way into your home through cracks and crevices, and once inside, spread germs capable of transmitting bacteria and disease.…

Hydrochloric acid -- or HCl -- is an acid that is highly corrosive when concentrated. Always handle it with care to prevent harm or injury. You need to take specific safety precautions when handling,…

Chemists refer to solutions as single-phase mixtures of two or more pure compounds. Although solutions can form between compounds in any phase -- solid, liquid or gas -- this most often refers to a…

Citric acid is an organic acid found in citrus fruits such as oranges, limes and lemons. It is used in the body to help form bones, but it's also found in cleaning products, foods and cosmetics.…

Some solids dissolve easily and rapidly in liquid solvents such as water, whereas others require a prolonged period to fully dissolve. Dissolution fundamentally involves the separation of molecules or…

Boric acid, which doubles as an antiseptic, can be found in many drug stores. It is also a key ingredient in a home remedy that can kill ants. The powder alone is bitter, and ants will avoid it.…

Like limestone, marble is composed of calcium carbonate -- and just like limestone, it reacts with hydrochloric acid to yield carbon dioxide gas and calcium chloride in solution. Although the progress…

Chemists use weight percent as one method of expressing the concentration of a solution. In this case, a "solution" refers to a mixture of two miscible liquids or a solid dissolved in a liquid. By…

Muriatic acid is the common name of hydrochloric acid. The muriatic acid sold in pool-supply and hardware stores typically contains between 9 and 36 percent hydrochloric acid by weight. In this…

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2), also known as anthium dioxide and chlorine peroxide, is used in the water treatment, paper manufacturing and tanning industries as a disinfectant and bleach. It is a highly…

Lauric acid is the main type of acid found in oil from coconuts. As with other acids found in food products, it's generally safe in small quantities, but exposure to concentrated forms can be…

Acid staining concrete helps to achieve unique effects, designs and colors on plain grey concrete slabs. Acid staining allows for creativity in the final outcome of the design of concrete slab.…

Hydrochloric acid is a powerful acid produced by dissolving the gas hydrogen chloride in water. It is often abbreviated as HCl, although strictly speaking this is actually the formula for the hydrogen…

Hard water is water which contains a high concentration of a variety of ions. The origin of the term likely lies in the behavior of soaps and detergents when using this type of water; a hard scum of…

Reactions between acids and bases produce salts. Hydrochloric acid, or HCl, for example, reacts with sodium hydroxide, or NaOH, to produce sodium chloride, NaCl, also known as table salt. When…

Foods are either acidic, neutral or nonacidic, based on the ash residue the food forms after digestion. The level of acidity or alkalinity in a food is measured by pH level, with the scale running…

Electrophoresis uses a weak electric current to separate mixtures of charged particles. The method entails placing a slightly conductive gel in a rectangular plastic tray with electrodes at both ends.…

There are several definitions of an acid in chemistry, but the most common one identifies an acid as a proton donor. Whether or not a substance readily gives up a proton is based on a number of…

Crosslink density determines the viscosity of a polymer. Viscosity refers to the ability of a liquid to flow and a polymer is a naturally occurring or synthetic compound consisting of large molecules.…

Almost all isopropanol contains at least a small amount of water. Isopropanol can be dried in either one or two steps. If the water level is much greater than 12 percent, simple distillation can…

Lactic acid coagulation or enzyme-driven clotting of milk result in the separation of whey and curd. Each method produces a different type of curd. Adding acid creates acid curds, and adding rennin…

Antacid relieves stomach pains, heartburn and indigestion. When taken as a medication, the antacid mixes with the acid in the body and neutralizes stomach acid. Using antacids in science projects is a…

The humble penny has been made from many different metals over the years including steel, brass and bronze. From 1962 to 1982, American pennies were made of brass, a mixture of mostly copper and some…

There are over 9,000 miles of streams in the United States, as of 2010, that are effected by acid mine drainage, according to environmental scientist Daniel Chilas in the book Environmental Science.…

Rosin esters are a class of chemical compounds that have a number of practical applications. They are used as adhesives, thickeners and emulsifiers. They are derived from a class of plant products…

The buffering capacity of a sample is the ability of that sample to remain at a constant pH. If an acid is placed over a sample that has a lot of buffering capacity, the additional acid will not…

Many first- and second-year organic chemistry students transform benzil to benzoin as part of a laboratory experiment designed to introduce students to reduction reactions. Benzil represents a…

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is one of mining's most serious threats to water and aquatic life. It occurs due to the outflow of acidic water from usually abandoned coal or metal mines. When sulfide-rich…

The phenomenon of hard water, although not dangerous to human health, causes several nuisances. The minerals responsible for hard water tend to form insoluble salts, also known as lime scale, in water…

The reduction of a metal refers to the process of adding electrons to it, thereby reducing the metal's oxidation state. Chemists refer to compounds such as copper carbonate, or CuCO3, as "ionic"…

Many acids are very soluble in water. Most of those are easy to remove. Boric acid, however, is a solid and it is not very soluble in water at room temperature. To make matters worse, the longer it…

Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and is essential for growth and development. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, and some have more than others. Titration is a simple method of using…

For those who have never attempted to charge a battery before, doing so can be confusing. A variety of methods and techniques can be used to charge a battery, some of which work better in one…

The acidity of a solution is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions and are detectable using a pH scale. If the pH level is less than 7, the solution is acidic while a level greater than 7…

The iron and steel of galvanized screws are coated with a thin layer of zinc. This layer is designed to protect the screw against wear and tear. However, galvanization can cause these screws to become…

Low PH levels in treated water can render it undrinkable and unusable for its intended purpose. Fortunately, low PH levels in chlorine dioxide treated water are usually caused by simple mistakes or…

Soap making is a craft that goes back to antiquity. The Babylonians and ancient Egyptians used soap-like substances made from ash and oil or fat. They used this as a pomade for their hair, and also…

Acid etching is used both in industrial applications and by artists to create detailed designs on metal or glass. A strong acid is used to cut the metal, leaving behind a detailed picture. There…

Human beings have known since the discovery of agriculture that living things pass traits to their offspring. However, the mechanism for passing traits remained a mystery until the 19th and 20th…

Roaches are among the most common insects to infest homes. These pests like to spend daylight hours hiding in secluded areas, and then come out in search of food and water at night. Roaches can spread…

Hydrochloric acid plays a role in many industrial manufacturing, refining and cleaning processes. Also called hydrogen chloride or muriatic acid, it is strongly acidic and corrosive. Because of these…

The strength, or pH, of acids and bases is dependent upon many factors. One of those factors is temperature, which changes the concentration of acids and bases.

The solubility of an organic compound such as benzoic acid in a liquid solvent depends strongly on the solvent's polarity. Chemists use an informal rule for predicting the solubility of one substance…

The acidity of product is determined based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and expressed using the pH scale. On that scale, a pH less than 7 is acidic while a pH greater than 7 represents…

A buffer solution helps maintain the pH of the solution you are working with when adding strong acid or strong bases to your working solution. Buffers are usually composed of a weak acid and its…

Acids are substances with a pH less than seven. Substances with a pH greater than seven are called bases. Acids tend to be sour or tart, like lemon juice; bases, such as soap, usually feel slippery…

The common iodine stock, Lugol's iodine, can be used to prepare iodine solutions for lab tests, science projects and more. The solution is created using standard chemistry equipment such as a beaker,…

Lab storage cabinets are especially designed for storing dangerous laboratory materials such as corrosives (acid), flammable liquids or otherwise dangerous liquids. The cabinet should be vented…

Oxalic acid, an organic acid, is found in many plants. It is also used to kill the varroa mite, a devastating pest to Western honeybees. Oxalic acid is prepared by oxidizing sugar with nitric acid.…

Preparing buffer solutions is an important basic skill in biochemical research. Most biochemical techniques and experimental protocols use buffer. Since enzymes and proteins can be denatured by…

Stainless steel wool is made up of thin fibers of stainless steel and is known for its use in scrubbing pots and pans. Aside from its usual purpose, stainless steel wool can do several other…

Ascorbic acid can be found in all citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and limes. By measuring ascorbic acid, you are testing the acid content of the item. For example, a powdered orange juice drink…

Colloidal silver is a product made out of tiny silver particles suspended in water. It is often used as a health or dietary supplement, though as of January 2011 there is no scientific evidence that…

When dissolved in water, acids release a positively charged hydrogen atom, which is also called a proton. The acid molecule that gives up this proton is known as the "conjugate base" of the acid.…

When citric acid comes in contact with sodium bicarbonate, the resulting chemical reaction gives off carbon dioxide, a gas. To measure the amount of gas expelled during the reaction, you need to…

When testing the acidity or alkalinity of an item you are referring to the pH, also known as potential hydrogen. The pH of an item is measured by finding the concentration of hydrogen ions an item…

Cockroaches are common insect pests that can transmit disease and trigger allergies in sensitive persons. They can adapt to different environments, but prefer warm conditions found within homes. If…

Benzoic acid is a common preservative, while sodium chloride is one of humankind's most ancient and popular seasonings. You can separate a mixture of these two compounds by exploiting the difference…

Orange acidity is caused by citric acid. You can determine the acid level by using a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) and a pH test meter. You can do this level of testing with either scientific…

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is the amino acid known as glutamic acid; it has one atom of sodium. Amino acids are among the basic building blocks of life; however, the structure of MSG has been somewhat…

The idea of conjugate matching in electrical engineering is a complex one that can involve mathematical equations to determine when a conjugate match has been reached. Conjugate matching is important…

The science of chemistry allows people to create amazing things from super strong plastics to heat-resistant putty, but it can also be used to perform magic...scientific magic at least. You can…

Cockroaches are among the most common household insect pests. They can find their way into a home through cracks or under doorways. Roaches love to find shelter in household appliances like microwaves…

Sewer roaches, or American cockroaches, are commonly found in sewers and moist environments. They are the largest species of common cockroach and can grow up to 2 inches long. Sewer roaches can find…

Many commercial products are available that can kill fleas and roaches, but most are usually highly toxic and not safe to use around pets and children. Boric acid is considered less toxic than most…

Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They can affect pet birds just as easily as other pets. Fleas can cause a reaction in your pet bird ranging from mild skin…

Household compounds are a combination of chemicals, found on the periodic table, that used in everyday living. A chemical compound, in general, is a substance formed by chemical union. It may not be…

Pure water has no acidity, but most water has some traces of other substances in it, which changes its level of acidity. Acidic water has free hydrogen ions roaming through it, while basic water has…

Liquid magnet, also known as ferrofluid, is a combination of chemicals that is known to react to magnetic fields when placed close to the solution. If a magnet is held underneath the ferrofluid, it…

The Oriental roach is a large species of cockroach that is black or dark brown in color. It is often referred to as a "water bug," because it prefers dark, moist places. Oriental roaches prefer to…

Lauric acid is the common name of a saturated fatty acid that is officially called dodecanoic acid for its backbone of 12 carbon atoms. Like practically all fatty acids, it has a methyl group (-CH3)…

It is not uncommon to find old prescription and over-the-counter medications in the medicine cabinet. The medications may simply be expired, a drug replaced with a new prescription, an uncompleted…

When embarking on a new science project, it is important to choose the right tools for your journey. Scientists frequently use beakers in their work, and will choose between glass or plastic models.…

Soft drinks are the most acidic beverages a consumer can buy, according to Real Water Health. In fact, their acid content is in the same range as vinegar. The human body needs a balance of acid and…

Many compounds release one or more hydrogen ions, abbreviated H+, into water as they dissolve, and hydrogen ions are responsible for acidic behavior. Scientists specify the concentration of hydrogen…

The corrosiveness of an acid or base refers to how severely it damages surfaces upon contact, specifically living tissue. Strong acids and bases such as hydrofluoric acid and sodium hydroxide have a…

Chemists refer to compounds such as sodium borohydride as reducing agents because they donate electrons to other atoms, thereby "reducing" their overall charge (See References 1). In organic…

Vanadium is a transition metal used in the production of specialized steels. Vanadium occurs in nature as the mineral vanadinite. Reducing vanadium, or increasing its number of electrons, occurs by a…

M-Toluic acid is a solid, flaky, white aromatic compound. It is denser than its non-acidic counterpart toluene, or the basis of all aromatic compounds, benzene. This is due to the additional…

Feathers, though beautiful, are a very delicate piece of nature. After they are removed from the bird, feathers are at the mercy of nature's elements and will deteriorate if not cared for properly.…

One of the oldest definitions used in the study of acid base chemistry is one derived by Svante August Arrhenius in the late 1800s. Arrhenius defined acids as substances that increase the…

The social concept that "opposites attract" when it comes to the chemistry of human relationships is echoed in the scientific concepts of real chemistry, particularly in the connection between acids…

According to "Chemical Principles", acids can be defined three different ways: as substances that increase concentration of hydrogen ions in water, as substances that donate hydrogen ions, or as…

Acidity--measured on a pH scale ranging from 1 to 14, with 7 designating neutral--represents the scientific method of computing whether a substance is an acid or a base, or alkaline. Any number below…

Normal unpolluted rain water is acidic because it contains carbonic acid, according to the Virtual Chembook of Elmhurst College. The pH or acidity of rainfall is typically less than 6, with 7.0 being…

Most chemistry students learn to identify conjugate acids and bases as part of a core chemistry curriculum. All acids generate a conjugate base as they react; likewise, all bases generate a conjugate…

Acid rain forms when emissions containing high amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids interact with the environment. These discharges come from factory pollution as well as from natural sources like…

Acidic compounds are often sour in taste. They have pH values lower than 7 and dissociate in water, releasing hydrogen atoms. Acidic compounds occur naturally in nature, but can also be synthesized in…

A pH measurement shows the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a soil sample. However, exchangeable acidity is an entirely different concept. Its values do not always correlate with the pH values of…

Acids are solutions which have a higher concentration of H+ ions than OH- ions. This is measured in terms of pH. Pure water, which has an equal amount of each ion, has a pH of 7. Acids have a pH less…

The Bronsted-Lowry Theory of Acids and Bases was independently published by two men in 1923: Johannes Bronsted of Denmark and Thomas Lowry of England, according to New York University. The pair…

Boric acid is a compound of boron, oxygen and hydrogen. Boric acid is tasteless, colorless and non-toxic. It's used in manufacturing, as a food supplement and as a pesticide. Boric acid is also the…

Fumaric acid is widely found organically in nature, and it can also be synthesized. It is used commercially as an ingredient in plastic, paint and food processing, according to SRI Consulting,

Citric acid is an organic acid commonly found in citrus fruits, but also in a large number of bacteria and animals. In biochemistry, citric acid is commonly used in a buffer solution to control the pH…

When acid is added to water, hydrogen ions form in the solution. Scientists measure the acidity of a solution using an acidity, or pH, scale. The pH scale tells you the concentration of hydronium ions…

Neutralization reactions occur when an acid reacts with a base. These reactions typically result in the formation of a salt and water. In these reactions, the hydronium (H+) ion from the acid combines…

Enzyme-catalyzed decarboxylation of a keto acid is an important type of reaction in biochemistry. Organic chemists also use reactions involving decarboxylation of keto acids to make certain organic…

Acids and bases are reactive and corrosive substances. They can cause injuries to tissues and damage to metals and other materials. Strong acids and bases typically cause more damage than weak acids…

Lead-acid batteries, invented in 1959, became the first rechargeable batteries made for commercial use. Like other rechargeable batteries, lead acid versions have the ability to reverse their flow of…

When chemists need to find the concentration of a substance dissolved in a solution, they often use a technique called titration. By adding a chemical that reacts with the solute until all of the…

Hyaluronic acid is a mucopolysaccharide that is an important component of human connective tissue, acting as a binding and protective agent. It is also found in synovial fluid, which lubricates and…

Found naturally in lemons, oranges and citrus fruit, citric acid is responsible for that tart flavor in many fruits and food products. Scientists use citric acid in laboratory settings while…

The main difference between food-grade and lab-grade citric acid is their level of purity. Food grade has to do with how safe a substance is to eat. Lab grade measures the purity of a substance for…

Chemists express concentration with numerous different units. One of the most common units in the chemical and biological sciences is molarity. Whenever chemists mix two or more compounds, they refer…

Collagens are fibrous proteins that form extracellular matrix in many tissues and are important components of bones and cartilage as well. Collagen molecules often pack together to form miniature…

Boric acid is a weak acid with the molecular formula H3BO3. It dissolves poorly in cold water but is highly soluble in hot water. It finds a variety of applications in the manufacture of…

One of the most common acids in the world, citric acid is responsible for giving fruits like lemons and limes their characteristic tartness. Pure citric acid is available as a crystalline powder at…

The original definition of acids and bases, created in 1884 by Svante Arrhenius, stated that acids are materials that can donate a proton, and bases are materials that can donate a hydroxide ion.…

Buffer solutions resist change in pH. A solution of an acid and its conjugate base will act as a buffer; the capacity of the buffer will depend on how much of the acid and the conjugate base are…

Chemistry involves the study of many different types of reactions and reagents (chemicals in a reaction). Acids and bases (also called alkali) are two of these types of chemicals. Reactions between…

The pH scale measures how acidic of alkaline a substance is. Acids have very low pH rating, while alkaline substances, referred to as bases, have pH ratings above 7. Both types of compound are useful…

Benzoic acid is a weak acid that exhibits a very large discrepancy between its solubility in cold water verses hot water. The reason for this has to do with the molecule's large hydrocarbon body.

Acids and bases are known for their reactive nature, but few people know what they are on a chemical level, or how they compare and contrast to each other.

Elements have different chemical properties. Some common elements are acidic whereas others are alkaline; combining acidic elements with alkaline base elements results in the neutralization of the two…

Nucleic acid, so named because it is found in a cell's nucleus, is a catch-all term for DNA and all types of RNA and is the means by which an organism stores, translates and passes on its genetic…

Acids and bases are opposites; an acid will give a proton or hydrogen ion to water while a base will take it away. There are several useful ways to compare acids and bases and how they interact.

Most automotive batteries sold in retail outlets come pre-filled with battery acid. However, many motorcycle, ATV and specialty batteries (such as the Prostart Power Sport) are sold as "dry charge,"…

Acids and bases are present in great quantity and variety throughout the world. They occur naturally and can be synthesized. Their uses range from cleaners to food flavorings and can be very safe or…

The identity of an unknown weak acid can be determined by titration, the addition of a liquid reagent of known strength, with a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When the number of moles,…

In chemistry, a number of compounds called "oxides" exist. An oxide is a compound formed by a single element that combines with oxygen. Oxides come in three varieties: acidic, basic and neutral.…

Phenol and cyclohexanol are organic compounds with a variety of important uses in industry, especially in the manufacture of plastics. Although phenol is only a weak acid, its structure makes it more…

Titration is a technique chemists use to determine the concentration of a solute in a solution. By adding strong acid to an alkaline solution, or by adding a strong base to an acidic solution, a…

Ionic compounds are those where the ions are held together by electrical attraction. When an ionic compound like NaCl (table salt) dissolves, the ions dissociate, and the interactions between them are…

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen (hydronium) ions in a solution. Acids like vinegar are substances that donate hydrogen ions to water, while bases like ammonia take them. Since pH is…

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. They can cause allergies and transmit disease. Boric acid is among the best ways to kill roaches and, unlike many insecticides, it has no…

Chlorine dioxide is a compound with the molecular formula ClO2. It is a potent oxidizing agent used primarily to bleach wood pulp and disinfect drinking water. While chlorine dioxide is considered…

Acids and bases are frequently used throughout chemistry lab, from General Chemistry to Organic Chemistry and beyond. An acid is any substance with a pH between 1 and 6.9, and a base is any substance…

When water is added to a solution, it causes the pH of the solution to shift closer to the center of the pH scale. Therefore, water makes an acidic solution less acidic and a base solution less base.

Phosphorus is an essential element for all known life on Earth. When minerals or chemicals called phosphates dissolve in water, they increase the amount of phosphorus available to the algae growing in…

Brown paper is an unbleached paper product. Though paper pulp from wood is naturally brown and high in acid, paper can be treated to remove the acid without bleaching the paper.

Muriatic acid is an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid with the chemical formula HCl. Muriatic acid is commonly used for cleaning metals or bricks as well as balancing (reducing) the pH of swimming…

The term “zeolite” describes a family of aluminosillicate that share a unique microporous structure. Because of this highly regular structure, zeolites can be used as molecular sieves,…

Many acidic liquids can likely be found in either your refrigerator or your cleaning supply closet. Acids can be found in natural fruit juices, cleaning liquids and other sources. Acidic liquid is an…

Acidity is a commonly experienced medical condition wherein the stomach overproduces hydrochloric acid, which causes an upset stomach and stomach pains. Some frequently experienced symptoms of acidity…

Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between atoms or changes in oxidation state. They are nearly ubiquitous. Many of the important reactions in human cells, for example, are redox…

Muriatic acid is a potentially dangerous household cleaning product used to clean masonry surfaces and grout lines. Muriatic acid is highly corrosive and can cause damage to the user's body and…

Lead-acid batteries utilize an electrochemical reaction to produce and store electrical energy. The battery plates within a lead-acid battery react to the acidic electrolyte, and electrons move from…

Acid mine drainage (AMD) water, also known as acid rock drainage, is water with a high acid content that seeps out of abandoned metal ore or coal mines into pools and streams. Acid water can also…

Potassium bromide (KBr) refers to a salt most commonly used as a medication for dogs and in photography. This salt appears as a large colorless crystal or fine white powder. It is odorless and is…

Muriatic acid refers to a technical grade of hydrochloric acid (HCl). It is created by dissolving hydrogen chloride into water. Muriatic acid reacts strongly to metals, amines, metal oxides and…

Lactic acid fermentation is the process by which bacteria digest sugars and release acids as a by-product of this carbohydrate consumption. These different strains of bacteria are utilized in a wide…

Chlorine bleach is a solution of sodium hypochlorite and water. Chlorine gas is produced when sulfuric acid is mixed with chlorine bleach. This reaction is a function of the change in pH of the…

Hydrochloric acid (HCI) is a clear, colorless, highly acidic, nonflammable, corrosive and poisonous solution of hydrogen chloride and water. It has many major industrial uses It is classified as a…

With both ascorbic and citric acids on so many food labels, it isn't hard to confuse the two similar, yet disparate, chemicals. The fact that you can find both in high quantities in all citrus fruits…

Different types of bacterial species have certain properties that make them unique from one another. Scientists use a special technique called staining to help them distinguish one bacterial species…

First discovered in the 16th century, benzoic acid is an organic compound belonging to the family of carboxylic acids. Also referred to as benzenecarboxylic acid and carboxybenzene, benzoic acid is…

Diagnostic genetic testing describes procedures performed to answer questions about an individual's genetic makeup. Physicians will sometimes suggest genetic testing to confirm or rule out suspected…

Although boric acid and borax both contain boron, they are very different molecular compounds. Their physical and chemical properties, natural occurrence tendencies and uses are all quite unique. Both…

Not all rain can be considered pure water. Pure water is neither alkaline nor acidic. As rain falls from the atmosphere the impurities it collects changes the pH of the rain water, making it slightly…

The term, acid rain, is not new. It was first used in 1872 to describe the effects of acidic precipitation on forests located downwind of industry. Reports of forests damaged by acid rain increased…

Sodium nitrate belongs to the family of compounds called salts, which are formed by uniting an acid (nitric in this instance) with a base (in this case sodium hydroxide). When sodium nitrate is…

Acids and bases have use in more places than just a scientific laboratory. Acids and bases come into play in every day life in everything from digestion of the foods you eat to the medicine you take…

Collagen is a simple, fibrous protein existing in several different forms. It accounts for one quarter of all of the protein in our bodies and approximately one third of our total body weight.…

When scientists learned how measure dissolved oxygen in water, they discovered that bodies of water breathe---at least the ones with plant life in them do. The dissolved oxygen level in a healthy pond…

The purpose of nucleic acids is to store and transmit genetic material (the genetic code of an organism) in its molecular form. Nucleic acids also use that molecular information to direct the…

Kidney beans are so named for their uncanny resemblance to the human kidney, although unlike the bean itself, the kidney is about the size of a computer mouse. People are born with two kidneys,…

Hops are plant products used as a common ingredient in brewing beer. They add a characteristic flavor and bitterness to the beer. The bitter flavor comes from a soft resin produced by a hops vine that…

The citric acid cycle, also known as the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle or the Krebs cycle, represents one part of the three- part aerobic cellular respiration pathway. In cellular respiration, a…

Acids and bases are all around us. Every liquid is either acidic, basic or somewhere in between. Pure water is the only liquid that is considered "neutral": it is neither acidic nor basic. All other…

Benzoic acid, chemical structure C6H5COOH, is the uniting of the water insoluble benzene molecule (with one hydrogen atom dropped) with a carboxylic acid group, (-COOH). It is this carboxylic acid…

Nucleic acids compose two crucial elements of a cell called DNA and RNA. All of the cell's genetic information is stored in these two components. DNA and RNA are what allows the cell to pass on its…

Chemists frequently mix acids and bases to control the pH conditions within the solutions they create. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, describes whether a solution is neutral, acidic or…

An acid is a material that can release a hydrogen ion. A hydrogen ion has a positive charge and is made out of a single subatomic particle called a proton. Many different chemicals are acids. Hydrogen…

Chemists use acid-base reactions, in conjunction with an indicator (a compound that changes color when in acidic or basic conditions), to analyze the amount of acid or base in a substance. The amount…

Muriatic acid is a diluted form of hydrochloric acid, which can be found in the stomach. Muriatic acid is adept at removing chrome, but it does have some limitations. If you want to use muriatic acid…

Acidic rain is a type of rain that has a high amount of acidic elements. Acid rain has many detrimental environmental impacts. It can kill fish by lowering the pH balance, destroy microbes in soil,…

Acid rain is any precipitation that deposits acid or acidifying compounds on the surfaces it contacts. The acid comes from pollution in the air, typically sulfur or nitrogen. Acid rain destroys…

Nucleic acids carry genetic information within their structure. All living things have some form of nucleic acids, which allow for the translation of proteins in order to carry out important functions…

Many manufacturers of concrete paints, coatings and sealants recommend chemical etching of the concrete surface prior to application. In most cases, muriatic acid is recommended for this purpose.…

When scientists change an acid solution by adding a base solution to it, this is known as titration. Through controlled titration, scientists can learn the exact concentration of an acidic solution.…

Pure silver is seldom found outside of a jewelry store, but impure silver is all around, and those impurities can be refined out rather easily, provided you take all the necessary precautions.…

Acid etching is an artistic technique to imprint a design onto a surface. Acid etching is often used on glass, metal and stone. Designs are cut from paper and placed on the surface of the object to be…

To determine the acidity of a solution such as vinegar, chemists normally use a method called "titration," in which a base is added, one drop at a time, to acid until the acid has been neutralized. A…

The combination of acidic compounds and basic (also known as alkaline) compounds constitutes one of the major reaction types in chemistry. Acid-base chemistry is a rich topic, and includes acid-base…

In chemistry, an acid is a chemical compound that gives or donates positive hydrogen ions when mixed with a solution. The solutions that accept these positive hydrogen ions from acids are called…

Oxalic acid is a chemical compound that goes by the chemical formula, C2O2 (OH) 2. It is found freely in nature, mostly in rocks, plants, animals, soil and fungi. It is also found in the human body,…

While methane (CH4) is the gas most commonly associated with flatulence and swamp gas, it is hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that provides the stench. The human olfactory system (i.e. the nose) is extremely…

Ammonia and muriatic acid are common household chemicals. Ammonia is typically used as a cleaning agent and muriatic acid lowers the pH of swimming pools and hot tubs. When mixed, they produce an…

If you pour vinegar into a jar half-filled with baking soda, a frothing mass of white suds will erupt. This reaction, performed in the average home kitchen, is classified as an acid-base reaction.

Boric acid, also known as orthoboric acid or boracic acid, is generally considered a "safe" insecticide of relatively low human toxicity. It occurs naturally in plants (including vegetables), and…

People must take special precautions when handling acids and bases. Their chemical makeup can cause damages to the human body in several ways. They are useful in science as well as around the home,…

Water-based cleaners are usually classed as acid or alkaline, since neutral solutions seldom make good cleaners. For certain soils an alkaline cleaner is superior, whereas for others an acid cleaner…

Etching metal with acid produces interesting artistic effects, with the finished piece displaying a varied and complicated topography, thanks to the acid's ability to eat away at metal. Metal acid…

In its dry or anhydrous form, citric acid is an odorless white crystalline powder sometimes used in science experiments. In nature, citric acid is found not only in citrus fruits, but also in most…

Under aerobic conditions, most cells employ aerobic respiration to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP provides the energy needed to fuel other cellular activities. However, when oxygen levels…

The class of organic compounds known as nucleic acids consists of polymers constructed from nucleotides. Among the best-known nucleic acids are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).…

In an acid-base reaction, a hydrogen proton dissociates from the acid's negatively-charged ion (lit. "anion") and temporarily bonds to a water molecule, forming a positively-charged "hydronium" ion…

Oxalic acid is used to clean minerals. It is a naturally occurring acid found in many vegetables, including spinach. It is also easy to find and safe to use at moderate levels. Oxalic acid will…

Oxalic acid is a low-powered acid that often occurs naturally in vegetables like spinach. It can be used to clean and bleach wood, but it's also used to clean a variety of minerals and rocks,…

Acid rain indirectly causes damage to bird eggs by depleting breeding birds of calcium in their diets, causing eggshells to be thin and easily breakable.

Silver bullion is a popular investment not only because the metal itself is aesthetically pleasing, but because it can act as a hedge against inflation. A danger with silver, however, is in fakes.…

According to the Bronsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases, an acid molecule donates a single proton to a water molecule, creating an H3O+ ion and a negatively-charged ion known as as "conjugate base."…

All substances exhibit qualities of acidity or alkalinity. Acids commonly taste sour or bitter, Bases, or substances with alkalinity, commonly feel slippery.

Yvonne Romero, M.D., of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explains that antacids are not a long-term solution for chronic acid reflux because…

In organic chemistry, reactants seldom combine to form a single, pure product. It is normal to end up with a mixture of substances that need to be separated from each other. Physical properties can…

Determining if a substance is acidic is integrally related to what makes the substance acidic. This topic is of vital importance for a number of applications, including gardening, farming, medicinal,…

The pH value of a substance relates directly to how acidic or basic the substance is. There are particular characteristics that one can expect from acids and bases; these can be easily associated with…

The basic workings of the lead-acid battery are essentially unchanged from its conception in the mid-1800s. A chemical reaction takes place between lead plates and sulfuric acid, creating electric…

Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are essential in the field of chemistry, and many experiences in everyday life relate directly to them. The transfer of electrons is at the heart of this subject;…

The pH of a substance relates directly to the concentration in a solution of ions that make something acidic. It is a helpful way to quickly assess the acidity of a solution. While there is a rigorous…

The acidity of a substance has a strict scientific definition. People tend to have images of metals dissolving and holes burning through things when they think of acids and non-acidic substances, or…

A simple litmus test can tell you whether a compound is acidic, basic (alkaline) or neutral. It is slightly more challenging to figure out how acidic a compound is in relationship to another. You can…

You can measure the pH of acid by using litmus paper, also known as pH strips. PH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is; it is usually tested on a liquid or a dry substance mixed…

Masonry installation often dictates an acid cleaning. Some applications require either a muriatic acid treatment or a hydrochloric acid treatment. You may wonder how these acids differ. The short…

The human stomach houses a harsh environment that is responsible for breaking down food and destroying invading organisms. This environment is so inhospitable that the stomach requires lines of…

Citric acid is a substance that is commonly thought of as being in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, but it is actually found in almost all living organisms, whether they be plant or animal.…

In chemistry, acid-base titration is used to determine the unknown concentration of an acid or base solution. Any given acid and base neutralize each other molecule-by-molecule in a known simple…

The Lewis theory examines the nature of chemical bonding, allowing chemists to classify chemical substances and analyze chemical reactions. It is one of several theories about the properties and…

The abbreviation pH represents a logarithmic scale that refers to the solution acidity. Neutral media has pH 7. Acidic solutions are signified with pH below 7, while basic solutions have pH above 7.…

In aqueous (water) solutions the acidity is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions, denoted as H+. Since the H+ concentration can be low such as 0.000032 mole/L, it is more convenient to…

Melting point analysis provides easy identification of solid substances, such as benzoic acid, in the lab. Using a melting point device such as a Mel-Temp, students can observe the sharp melting…

The pH scale is in the range from 0 to 14 and determines how basic or acidic a solution is. The neutral media has pH 7. Values below 7 correspond to acidic solutions. The majority of fruits contains…

Polyglutamic acid is technically a polymer of a polymer. It is made up of a polymerized form of amino acid found in most proteins, which is then combined with an ionized form of glutamate, another…

Chemical digestion occurs when acids, enzymes and other secretions break down the food we eat into nutrients. Chemical digestion starts in the mouth and continues in the stomach, but most of the…

In chemistry, acid-base titration is the combination of an acid solution with a base solution until one fully neutralizes the other. The one that is fully neutralized is of unknown concentration. At…

Rainwater is naturally acidic due to the presence of carbon dioxide, nitric oxide and sulfur dioxide found in the Earth's troposphere. Human activities such as fossil fuel burning for industrial…

Gastric glands line the inside of the stomach and secrete 2 to 3 qt. of gastric juices into the stomach daily. Each secretion contributes to digestion and maintenance of the stomach. Gastric juice…

Buffers are solutions that resist change in pH. They are important in chemical and biological systems. The capacity of a buffer, B, is defined as the ability of buffer to resist pH change when…

The purpose of performing an assay is to determine the percentage of purity of a given amount of the boric acid. To perform the assay, the equipment you will need includes a burette (approximately…

In chemistry, acid-base titration is used to determine the concentration of a solution. The process of titrating utilizes a solution of unknown concentration, which is either an acid or a base. A…

Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a long and complex molecule but a stable one, held together by covalent bonds--the sharing of electrons between atoms to form a stable whole.

Because plants have different soil needs, the environment can be adapted to create the best possible growing conditions. One way to change the properties of soil is by using acid peat moss.

Benzoic acid is one of the most important compounds used in the manufacturing of artificial flavorings and preservatives. It is also used to synthesize a large number of other chemicals, including…

An acid (for example, hydrochloric acid, HCl) is a substance that releases or donates the hydrogen ion (H+), while a base (for example, sodium hydroxide, NaOH) is a hydrogen ion acceptor. The pH…

An acid-base reaction is called a "neutralization reaction." It consists of the transfer of a hydroxide ion (H+) from the acid to the base. They are therefore usually "displacement reactions," but…

Long chains, or polymers, of amino acids are called proteins (although proteins need not be exclusively amino acids). The amino acids are linked by what are "peptide bonds." The order of amino acids…

Bakelite is an early form of plastic from the early 1900s. It was often used in jewelery, toys, radios and kitchenware. Recently, Bakelite has become extremely collectible and valuable and this…

The two natural types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). In animals, DNA forms a double helix while RNA is single-stranded. DNA and RNA also differ in the…

Acids and bases, or alkali, are substances that create ionic activity when dissolved as a solution in water. They differ in chemical properties, how they react with other substances, as well as in…

Nucleic acids, more commonly known as DNA and RNA, are the genetic information banks of the cell. They are involved in repair processes and in the reproduction processes of a cell. The codes contained…

Acidic water can have certain unhealthy affects on humans, mostly through absorption into the lungs where the acidic compounds can cause damage. There are also some visibility concerns caused by the…

The human body is made up of millions of cells that work to maintain the body's overall system and function. Each cell, in turn, has its own set of processes designed to carry out necessary cell…

Acids and bases have mirror properties. They are highly reactive with each other and both conduct electricity. But acids are commonly viewed as more corrosive. For example, the stomach uses…

There are many substances that chemically qualify as acids or bases. Some are more exotic compounds typically found in a chemistry laboratory while others are common household substances. Strong acids…

Linolenic acid, strictly speaking, is not one acid but two. When the name is generically used, the one usually meant is alpha-linolenic acid (Figure 1). Found in many foods and food-based products,…

Citric acid is one of the most common types of natural acids in the world. Because it is found in many fruits and nearly every digestive system, citric acid can be added to foods and cleaners alike…

The digestion system is how the body consumes food, absorbs it in the intestines, and secretes the waste products. The digestive system runs from the mouth, through the stomach, into the small…

Acids and bases have some superficial differences, such as a difference in taste (acids are bitter and bases are sour). They also react with different classes of chemicals. However, they also have…

Acid rain is caused by certain types of pollution that release carbon, sulfur dioxide and similar particles into the air. These particles mix with water vapor and give it an acidic quality that…

Fumaric acid, trans-2-butenedioic acid (also called trans-1, 2-Ethylene-dicarboxylic acid), is a white powder. Fumaric acid was first isolated from the plant Fumaria officinalis (Common Fumitory or…

Chemical buffers prevent sudden changes in a solution's acidity. Buffer solutions keep a certain pH level nearly constant during the course of biological reactions and are crucial for many…

The most common battery in our daily lives is the simple lead-acid battery. Because it is so common and works so reliably, few people take the time to treat a lead-acid battery with the proper safety…

In the field of chemistry, there are a number of ways in which a substance is defined as an acid. The best-known of those ways is the Brønsted-Lowry Theory, in which a proton donor (a positively…

At the turn of 20th century Japan, some rice seedlings grew extremely tall, falling over. Roots were shallow; chlorophyll was abnormally low. This condition was named bakanae ("foolish seedling"). In…

Biochemistry is the study of metabolism and the body's use for biochemical molecules. The main focus of basic biochemistry is the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Biochemistry also…

Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes and oranges. It is what gives these fruits their tart taste. Citrus acid is found naturally in many plants and in milk. Humans and…

Citric acid is a weak organic acid with the molecular formula C6H8O7, which means a molecule of the acid contains six carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and seven oxygen atoms. When it is dissolved…

Acid-base indicators are chemicals that change color when they react with acids and bases. They change color depending on the pH (level of acidity) of a solution. Most indicators are in fact weak…

Lead acid batteries should be charged often. It is not necessary to completely discharge them before replenishing power. If the battery is being stored and not actively used, a maintenance charge can…

Gibberellic acid, a type of gibberellin, is a plant hormone that regulates growth. Gibberellins have been recognized as important and used in the plant industry since the mid 1900s. Gibberellic acid…

The reaction is considered initiated when the acid and base are in the same solution but have not reacted yet. That is, their concentrations are still initial concentrations at this point. The…

The acid-fast stain is a differential test to identify the presence of certain types of bacteria in a given sample. There are three common types of acid-fast staining, which are often used in…

Nucleic acids are polymers (chains) of nucleotides. The most common nucleic acid chains are RNA and DNA. These structures are the essential components for life. They contain the genes that are…

A water molecule contains an atom of oxygen and also contains dissolved oxygen as a free gas. The concentration of oxygen that is dissolved in a body of water is a general indicator of the organisms…

Acidity of a solution is expressed using a pH scale with a pH of 7 corresponding to a neutral media. Lower pH values are indicative of acidic solution. Natural rainwater is slightly acidic with a pH…

Titratable acidity is a total amount of acid in the solution as determined by the titration using a standard solution of sodium hydroxide (titrant). The reaction completetion is determined by a…

Boric acid is useful because of its relative inert qualities. It does not combust. It is not ruined when combined with liquid. It does not easily change its chemical composition when exposed to…

To understand why oil and vinegar don't mix, you have to understand their individual compositions. Vinegar is about 95 percent water, with just a small amount of acetic acid and some other compounds.…

The concentration of hydrogen ions, H+, determines the solution's acidity. This concentration is expressed as pH, that is, -log10([H+]). For example, if the concentration of H+ ions in the solution is…

Colloidal silver has been used by people for thousands of years as a natural antibiotic. In early America, settlers put silver dollars into milk to keep it fresh. These pioneers also put silver…

Boric acid, also known as Acidum Boricum, orthoboric acid and boracic acid, is a mild acid composed of a single boron, three hydrogen and three oxygen molecules. Boric acid serves many functions…

Invented in 1859, the lead acid battery has proved to be a reliable, economical source of electric power. Though the materials used to make the battery have been improved over time, the basic design…

If you've ever poured baking soda into a cup of vinegar, then you have seen a reaction between acids and bases (alkalines). By definition, all substances are acid, base or neutral. You can determine…

Caprylic acid has the molecular formula C8H16O2. It is an eight-carbon, saturated fatty acid commonly found in humans, especially human breast milk.

Borates are mineral compounds that contain boron that is linked with oxygen atoms in a +3 oxidation state. When borates come into contact with sulfuric acid, boric acid is born. Ever since the times…

The body uses many different types of molecules for its supportive tissue, especially cartilage. One of the major components of this connective tissue is a polymer called hyaluronic acid. In addition…

The kidneys are excretory organs located at the back of our abdominal cavity. It is a part of our urinary system and the primary organ responsible for sustaining body fluid homeostasis. The kidney…

Phosphorus is a plant nutrient that increases plant growth in fresh water. It is of great importance in the aquatic sciences and is often measured when studying freshwater lakes and other bodies of…

Most people have to deal with acne at some point in their lives. This means that acne cream will likely be called in to save the day. Salicylic acid, which is often used by scientists in organic…

When conducting an experiment to determine Ph level of various household substances, always wear goggles and get rid of test substances down the sink drain or store the substances, such as cooking…

When performing a chemistry experiment to determine Ph level of acids and bases in household substances, divide substances into groups based on the colors brought out by the solution. Label solutions…

When adding drops to cups in a chemistry experiment to determine Ph level of household substances, wear eye protection and make sure substances are well-labeled and closed tightly when not in use.…

When conducting an experiment to determine Ph level of various household substances, the periodic table can help to predict if a substance will be an acid or a base. Learn how to read the periodic…

When adding drops of a Ph solution in a chemistry experiment to test for acids and bases, wait for drops to dissolve before analyzing the color. Learn how to add drops to test for acidity and Ph…

The results of a chemistry experiment to test the Ph level of various substances will include neutral liquids such as distilled water and cooking oil which did not change at all, as well as acidic…

When performing a chemistry experiment to test the acidity level of household substances, a red solution indicates the presence of acid, a yellowish or greenish solution the presence of a base. Find…

To increase conductivity of water, add vinegar in this experiment. Find out more about electrical circuits in this free science experiment video from a professional audio engineer.

Enterococcus faecalis is a type of lactic acid bacteria, which means that it produces lactic acid as a byproduct of metabolism. It is a gram positive bacteria, which means that it has a rigid outer…

One example of a weak organic acid is lactic acid, which is commonly found in milk and has a structure with three carbons. Find out how weak acids are things that only partially dissociate in water…

Millions of pennies are circulating at any given time throughout the United States. As the pennies circulate, they begin to lose their shine. This is largely due to the way metals react with air. As…

Boric acid is a white powder mixed in with more palatable food such as flour and sugar. The roach eats the edible items along with the boric acid. For the roaches to eat all of this, it needs to be…

Malic acid is an organic compound that is used in food products to create sour or tart flavors. It is also used for different purposes and is commonly found as a naturally occurring compound. It is…

Malic acid is an organic molecule that's main characteristic is two carboxyl groups, and malic acid plays a key role in the Krebs cycle. Find out how malic acid can be found in manufactured foods with…

Stomach acid is a strong acid that is produced and secreted by cells within the stomach. Often for science projects, you may need to make a simulated stomach acid. This can help you understand how…

In chemistry, a substance that can accept a proton is commonly thought of as a base. By accepting protons, proton acceptors are essentially able to remove a hydrogen ion from solution, which is…

It is important to be able to distinguish acids and bases in order to fix soil quality, ensure safe drinking water and prevent unstable substances from mixing to form harmful byproducts and noxious…

Staining and etching concrete is a popular way to transform a concrete slab into something with a designer look. Concrete etching is most often done on floors, but in order to complete concrete…

Over a period of time, most of us have built up a few waste products that are acidic in nature. It is not wise to dispose of these things by just pouring them out on the ground to wash away with the…

Iodine is a rare element and far too reactive to ever be found in elemental form. The most important commercial source of iodine is caliche, which is primarily found in Chile. It also exists in…