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Difference Between Acid and Base for Class 7

Difference Between Acid and Base

Difference between acid and base is discussed in this article. Acid and base are the basics of chemistry that we learn in lower grades. Acid and base form the pillars of chemistry. Acids are in the form of lactic or citrus acid which is mostly present in citrus fruits like lemon or orange. Bases are in powder form mostly like bleaching powder, ammonia, etc. The acid-base helps in differentiating several compounds in chemistry.

Acid and Base Difference

What is Acid?

There are several different definitions of acids according to many scientists. According to Arrhenius, any substance when dissolved in water increases the concentration of hydrogen ions or H+ ions are acid.

Bronsted-Lowry defined Acid as a proton donor. This means when a compound donates the proton easily and as soon as possible, it is considered a strong acid.

Another definition is given by Lewis, that is, the compound that accepts a pair of electrons. That means any compound that is electron deficient can act as an acid.

Types of Acids

  • Strong acids- the acids that can dissociate ions easily and completely in water are called strong acids.

Example- HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, etc.

  • Weak acids- The acids that can partly dissociate ions in water are called weak acids.

What is Base?

Similar to acid, these three scientists have a different definition for the base too.

According to Arrhenius, any substance, when dissolved in water increases the concentration of OH ions are base.

The Bronsted-Lowry base theory states that any substances that accept a proton are base. The faster it accepts a proton the stronger the basicity.

Lewis’s definition of base is that any substance that accepts a pair of the electron is base.

Types of bases-

  • Strong Base
  • Weak Base
  • Neutral Base

State differences between acids and bases Class 7

Acids and bases are two fundamental categories of substances in chemistry, and they differ in several key ways:

  1. Definition:
    • Acid: Acids are substances that can donate a proton (H+) or accept an electron pair in a chemical reaction. In the Brønsted-Lowry definition, acids are proton donors.
    • Base: Bases are substances that can accept a proton (H+) or donate an electron pair in a chemical reaction. In the Brønsted-Lowry definition, bases are proton acceptors.
  2. pH:
    • Acids have a pH less than 7 on the pH scale. The lower the pH, the stronger the acid.
    • Bases have a pH greater than 7 on the pH scale. The higher the pH, the stronger the base.
  3. Taste and Feel:
    • Acids often taste sour. For example, lemon juice is acidic.
    • Bases often taste bitter and feel slippery to the touch. For example, soap is a base.
  4. Chemical Properties:
    • Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
    • Bases can react with fats and oils (in a process called saponification) to form soap.
  5. Examples:
    • Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and acetic acid (found in vinegar).
    • Common examples of bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and ammonia (NH3).
  6. Neutralization:
    • When an acid reacts with a base, they neutralize each other, forming water and a salt. This reaction is called neutralization.
  7. Indicator Dyes:
    • Acids turn blue litmus paper red.
    • Bases turn red litmus paper blue.
  8. Strength:
    • Acids and bases can be classified as strong or weak based on their ability to ionize in solution. Strong acids and bases ionize completely, while weak ones only partially ionize.
  9. Chemical Formulas:
    • Acids often have the hydrogen ion (H+) in their chemical formulas, such as HCl for hydrochloric acid.
    • Bases often have hydroxide ions (OH-) in their chemical formulas, such as NaOH for sodium hydroxide.

It’s important to note that the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases is just one of several definitions in chemistry. The Lewis definition, for example, focuses on electron pair donors and acceptors and is more general, encompassing a wider range of chemical reactions involving acids and bases.

Difference Between Acids and Bases

difference between acids and bases are given below in the table.

Basis Acid Base
Proton Acid donates proton when dissolved in water Base accepts proton when dissolved in water
Litmus paper test Acid turns blue litmus into red litmus paper The base turns red litmus into blue litmus paper
Salt formation Acids form salt when it reacts with base in an aqueous solution The base forms a salt when it reacts with the acid in an aqueous solution
Taste test Taste Sour Taste soapy

 

Acids and bases have different properties with different chemical formulas. These are the basics of chemistry that help a lot throughout your journey in chemistry. Here we summed up the definition and differences between acid and base.

State difference between acid and base

Acids and bases are two fundamental categories of substances in chemistry, and they differ in several key ways, including their properties, chemical behavior, and effects on pH (a measure of acidity or alkalinity).

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FAQs

What does base mean in chemistry?

Base is any compound that releases OH- ions when dissolved in water. Examples of the bases are bleaching powder and ammonium. It tastes soapy.

What is the taste of acids?

Acids are sour because acids are citric. Examples of acids are HCl and HNO

How to differentiate between acid and base?

Acids release H+ ions when dissolved in water and base releases OH- when dissolved in water.

What is the pH value of acid and base?

pH value of Acids is more than 7 and pH value of base is less than 7.

Which compound changes blue litmus into the red?

Acids change blue litmus into the red.

About the Author

Hi, I am Brajesh (M.Tech, MCA), I Professional Educator having 3 years of experience in school education sector. Aim to provide JEE, NEET, CUET, and Other Entrance exams information in a simple way to help students find clarity and confidence. I provide here easily accessible content on Exam Notifications, Syllabus, Admit Cards, and Results.

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