How to Compare Acids & Bases
Acids and bases are found throughout nature, including the human body. Acids and bases are opposite in their characteristics, though there are times when it is difficult to tell the difference between them. To compare acids and bases, look at them from several levels, including physical and molecular features.
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Molecular Features
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Acids produce hydrogen cations (H+) when disassociated (molecule breaks up into simpler parts), cations being positively charged ions. On the other side, bases produce hydroxide anions (OH-) when disassociated, anions being negatively charged ions. Another molecular indicator is that acids give protons while bases receive protons.
Physical Features
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Features of acids include a sour taste, their reactions with carbonates (forming carbon dioxide) and their reactions with certain metals to form hydrogen gas. Bases are bitter tasting, have a soapy to slippery feel and react to grease and oils. Both acids and bases are corrosive.
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Physical Feature Considerations
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When an acid and a base combine, they neutralize each other forming what are known as neutral substances, that is, salts and water. A neutral substance gives off neither hydrogen cations nor hydroxide anions when disassociated.
Chemical Testing
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For testing whether or not a substance is an acid or a base, the chemical phenolphthalein may be used. Phenolphthalein is a colorless to yellowy chemical that when combined with an acid turns colorless, and when combined with a base turns pink. Another chemical used to test for an acid or base is litmus, a pigment. Blue litmus turns red when it reacts with an acid, and a base turns red litmus paper blue.
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