What Makes a Product Acidic or Basic?

Lemon juice is highly acidic.

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

The pH Scale

The pH scale measures the number of hydrogen ions in the substance; it ranges from 0 to 14. Acids register in the 0 to 6 range, neutral substances such as pure water register at 7, and bases register from 8 to 14.

Acids

Batteries contain acid.

Acids break down into hydrogen (H+) when placed into a water solution.

Bases

Milk registers as a basic solution.

Bases break down into hydroxide (OH-) when placed into a water solution. Another word for a base is alkaline.

Uses

Test pool water levels frequently to avoid algeal growth.

The pH scale is commonly used in gardening, to help in plant selection; although most plants prefer neutral soil, some may prefer slightly acidic or alkaline soil.

Pool owners check the pH levels of the water frequently to prevent algae from growing in the water.

Solution

If a substance is too acidick a base can be added to it to make it more neutral. Conversely, if a substance has too much alkaline, an acidic solution may be added to make it more neutral.

Solution

Substances with too much acidity are dangerous and should be handled carefully. Before working with any unknown substance you should test it's pH with a pH strip; the color of the strip will indicate the level of its acidity and will help you determine how it should be handled. See the Elmhurst College site in resources for a sample pH scale with a listing of common objects.

References

• Chem4Kids: Acids & Bases
• Vision Learning: Acids & Bases

Resources

• Elmhurst College: Virtual Chem Book