Acids

What exactly is an acid? Don't feel too acidic if you aren't sure! Let's start off by listing some properties.

An acid is a chemical substance or molecule that can:

• Neutralize alkalis 
• Neutralize bases to produce salt and water
• React with carbonates to produce a salt, water and CO2
  
• React with active metals to produce hydrogen
• Turn blue litmus to red
• Turn methyl orange to red
• Increase H+ ion concentration in a solution

In addition, they:  

• Are good conductors of electricity in water
• Have a pH below 7 
• Are usually corrosive or sour tasting
  
• Are strong electrolytes
• Have more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions

There are also 3 important theories that talk about important properties of acids.  The 3 theories are summarized below but more elaborate information about all of them can be found here

1) Lewis Theory

• States that an acid is an electron pair acceptor
  

2) Bronsted-Lowry Theory

• States that an acid is a proton (hydrogen ion) donor
  

3) Arrhenius Theory

• States that acids are substances which produce hydrogen ions in a solution

There are many different acids that can be formed. Below are some common ones:

Here are what some of the acids above are used for:

• Hydrochloric Acid - Is important for dissolving metals and can be found in human stomachs
• Sulfuric Acid - Helps produce fertilizers and is used in car batteries 
  
• Nitric Acid - Helps produce fertilizers, medicine, and paint
• Acetic Acid - Is a solvent and helps produce rubber and plastic
• Citric Acid - Is in many fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits

Some examples of acids used in our everyday lives include:

• Milk
• Sodas/Carbonated Drinks
• Orange/Lemon Juice
• Citric Fruits
• Tea
• Vinegar

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