ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS

Question/answers
You have been provided with three test tubes. One of them contains distilled water and the
other two contain an acidic solution and a basic solution, respectively. If you are given only
red litmus paper, how will you identify the contents of each test tube ?

(i) Put the red litmus paper in all the test tubes, turn by turn. The solution which turns red litmus to
blue will be a basic solution. The blue litmus paper formed here can now be used to test the acidic
solution.
(ii) Put the blue litmus paper obtained above in the remaining two test-tubes, turn-by-turn. The solution
which turns the blue litmus paper to red will be the acidic solution.
(iii) The solution which has no effect on any litmus paper will be neutral and hence it will be distilled
water.

Why should curd and sour substances not be kept in brass and copper vessels ?\
Curd and sour substances should not be kept in brass and copper vessels because these and other
sour food-stuffs contain acids which can react with the metal of the vessel to form poisonous metal
compounds which can cause food poisoning and affect our health adversely.

Which gas is usually liberated when an acid reacts with a metal ? Illustrate with an
example. How will you test for the presence of this gas ?

(i) Hydrogen (H2) gas is liberated when an acid reacts with a metal.
(ii) Illustration : Set up the apparatus as shown in the given figure. Take some zinc granules in the test
tube. Add about 5 mL dilute hydrochloric acid slowly. Soon the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric
acid starts and hydrogen gas is evolved.

(iii) Test for H2 gas :

H2 gas is not soluble in water. When passed through soap solution, it gets trapped into bubbles.
Bring a burning candle near the soap bubble filled with gas. The soap bubble bursts and hydrogen gas
burns with a pop sound.

Metal compound A reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce effervescence. The gas
evolved extinguishes a burning candle. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction
if one of the compounds formed is calcium chloride.
As the end product is calcium chloride and the gas formed is carbon dioxide, the metal compound A
must be calcium carbonate. Therefore, the reaction between calcium carbonate and hydrochloric acid
is
Why do HCl, HNO3, etc show acidic characters in aqueous solutions while solutions of
compounds like alcohol and glucose do not show acidic character ?
H+ ions in aqueous swer: solution are responsible for acidic character. HCl, HNO 3, etc. give H+ ions in
water while alcohol and glucose do not give H+ ion in water. Therefore, alcohol and glucose do not show
acidic character.

Why does distilled water not conduct electricity, whereas rainwater does?

Distilled water does not conduct electricity because it does not contain any ionic compound (like acids,
bases or salts) dissolved in it. On the other hand, rain water conducts electricity. This can be explained
as follows: Rain water, while falling to the earth through the atmosphere, dissolves an acidic gas
carbon dioxide from the air and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). Carbonic acid provides hydrogen ions, H+
(aq), and carbonate ions, CO2-3 (aq), to rain water. So, due to the presence of carbonic acid (which
provides ions to rain water), the rain water conducts electricity

.
Why does an aqueous solution of an acid conduct electricity ?
The aqueous solution of an acid conducts electricity due to the presence of charged particles called
ions in it.

Why does dry HCl gas not change the colour of the dry litmus paper ?
Dry HCl gas does not give H+ ions and therefore does not change the colour of dry litmus paper.

While diluting an acid, why is it recommended that the acid should be added to water and
not water to the acid ?
While diluting an acid it is recommended that the acid should be added to water and not water to the
acid because if water is added to concentrated acid to dilute it, then a large amount of heat is evolved
at once. This heat changes some of the water to steam explosively which can splash the acid on one’s
face or clothes and cause acid burns.

How is the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) affected when a solution of an acid is
diluted ?
When a given amount of an acid is added to water, there is a fixed number of hydronium ions per
volume of the solution. On dilution, the number of hydronium ions per volume decreases and
concentration decreases.

How is the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH–) affected when excess base is dissolved in
a solution of sodium hydroxide ?
The concentration of hydroxide ions will increase when excess base is dissolved in a solution of sodium
hydroxide, but it happens to a limited extent only after which the concentration becomes almost
constant.

You have two solutions A and B. The pH of solution A is 6 and pH of solution B is 8. Which
solution has more hydrogen ion concentration? Which of this is acidic and which one is
basic ?
A pH value of less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
Since solution A has more hydrogen ion concentration, solution A is acidic and solution B is basic.

What effect does the concentration of H+ (aq) ions have on the nature of the solution ?
More the concentration of H+ ions, higher the acidic nature of the solution.
Do basic solutions also have H+ (aq) ions ? If yes, then why are these basic ?
Basic solutions have H+ (aq) ions. But these are far less in number than OH– ions that is responsible for
their basic nature.

Under what soil condition do you think a farmer would treat the soil of his fields with quick
lime (calcium oxide) or slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) or chalk (calcium carbonate) ?
If the soil is too acidic (having low pH) then it is treated with materials like quick lime (calcium oxide) or
slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) or chalk (calcium carbonate).

What is the common name of the compound CaOCl2 ?

Bleaching powder.

Name the substance which on treatment with chlorine yields bleaching powder.
Slaked lime Ca (OH)2.

Name the sodium compound which is used for softening hard water.

Sodium carbonate.

What will happen if a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate is heated. Give the equation
of the reaction involved ?
Solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate on heating gives sodium carbonate and carbon dioxide gas is
evolved.

Write an equation to show the reaction between plaster of Paris and water.

compounds such as alcohol and glucose also contain hydrogen but are not categorised as
acids. Describe an activity to prove it.

Though compounds like alcohol and glucose contain hydrogen but they do not ionise in the solution to
produce H+ ions on passing current through them.
(i) Take solutions of alcohols and glucose.
(ii) Fix two nails on a cork, and place the cork in 100 mL beaker.
(iii) Connect the nails to the two terminals of a 6 volt battery through a bulb and a switch, as shown in
the given Figure.
(iv) Now pour alcohol in the beaker and switch on the current.
(v) The bulb does not glow.
(vi) Repeat the experiment with glucose. The bulb does not glow in this case also.
(vii) This means no ions or H+ ions are present in the solution.
This shows that alcohols and glucose are not acids.

Why do acids not show acidic behaviour in the absence of water ?

The acidic behaviour of acids is due to the presence of hydrogen ions, [H + (aq) ions], in them. The acid
produces hydrogen ions only in the presence of water. So in the absence of water, an acid will not form
hydrogen ions and hence will not show its acidic behaviour.

Five solutions A, B, C, D and E when tested with universal indicator showed pH as 4, 1, 11,
7 and 9 respectively. Which solution is
(a) Neutral
(b) Strongly alkaline
(c) Strongly acidic
(d) Weakly acidic
(e) Weakly alkaline
Arrange the pH in increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration.

(a) D
(b) C
(c) B
(d) A
(e) E
Increasing order of hydrogen ion concentration
11 < 9 < 7 < 4 < 1
i. e., C < E < D < A < B

Equal lengths of magnesium ribbons are taken in test tubes A and B. Hydrochloric acid
(HCl) is added to test tube A, while acetic acid (CH3COOH) is added to test tube B. In which
test tube will the fizzing occur more vigorously and why
Fizzing will occur more vigorously in test tube A. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid whereas acetic
acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid. Being strong acid, the hydrochloric acid solution contains a much
greater amount of hydrogen ions in it due to which the fizzing will occur more vigorously in test tube A
(containing hydrochloric acid). The fizzing is due to the evolution of hydrogen gas which is formed by
the action of acid on the magnesium metal of magnesium ribbon.

fresh milk has a pH of 6. How do you think the pH will change as it turns into curd ? Explain
your answer.
Answer:
pH of milk falls below 6 as it turns into curd due to the formation of lactic acid during this process.
Lactic acid present in it reduces its pH value.
A milkman adds a very small amount of baking soda to fresh milk.
(a) Why does he shift the pH of the fresh milk from 6 to slightly alkaline ?
(b) Why does this milk take a long time to set as curd ?

(a) Milk is made slightly alkaline so that it may not get sour easily due to the formation of lactic acid in
it.
(b) The alkaline milk takes a longer time to set into curd because the lactic acid being formed has to
first neutralise the alkali present in it.

Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture proof container. Explain why?

Plaster of Paris should be stored in a moisture proof container because the presence of moisture can
cause slow setting of plaster of Paris by bringing about its hydration. This will make the plaster of Paris
useless after sometime.

What is a neutralisation reaction ? Give two examples.

The reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water is called a neutralisation reaction.
Examples:

A white powder is added while baking breads and cakes to make them soft and fluffy. Write
the name of the powder. Name its main ingredients. Explain the function of each ingredient.
Write the chemical reaction taking place when the powder is heated during baking.
Answer. Baking powder. It consists of sodium hydrogencarbonates and tartaric acid.
Sodium hydrogencarbonates gives CO2 which makes cake soft and fluffy. Tartaric acid
neutralizes the bitterness due to sodium carbonate produced.
2NaHCO3 (s) Na2CO3 (s) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

A student dropped few pieces of marble in dilute hydrochloric acid, contained in a test-tube.
The evolved gas was then passed through lime water. What change would be observed in lime
water? What will happen if excess of gas is passed through lime water? With the help of
balanced chemical equations for all the changes explain the observations.
Answer.
CaCO3 (s) + 2HCl (dilute) CaCl2 (s) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)
Lime water turns milky due to liberation of CO2.
Ca (OH)2 (aq) + CO2 (g) CaCO3 (s) + H2O (l)
If excess of CO2 gas is passed through lime water, milkiness will disappear due to the formation
of Ca (HCO3)2 (aq) which is soluble in water.
CaCO3 (s) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l) Ca (HCO3)2 (aq)

15 mL of water and 10 mL of Sulphuric acid are to be mixed in a beaker

(i) State the method that should be followed with reason.
(ii)What is this process called?
(i) The acid is to be added slowly in water to prevent the mixture to be splashed. The
reaction is highly exothermic; therefore, constant cooling should be done.
(ii) The process is called dilution.

Choose strong acids and weak acids from the following:

CH3COOH, H2SO4, H2CO3, HNO3
Answer. H2SO4 and HNO3 are strong acids.
CH3COOH and H2CO3 are weak acids.

What is observed when carbon dioxide gas is passed through lime water
(i) for a short duration?
(ii) for a long duration? Also write the chemical equations for the reactions involved. (Board Term I, 2016)
Answer:
(i) When CO2 is passed through lime water for short interval of time, it turns milky due to the formation of insoluble
calcium carbonate.

(ii) If CO2 is passed for long duration through lime water, the white precipitate formed
dissolves due to the formation of soluble calcium hydrogen carbonate and the solution
becomes clear.

Explain how an antacid works. (Board Term I, 2017)

Answer:
The acidity produced due to excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach which cause indigestion,
produce pain and irritation. Milk of magnesia (chemically magnesium hydroxide) is used as an
antacid. Since, it is basic in nature, reacts with the excess hydrochloric acid present in the
stomach and neutralises it.

A white coloured powder is used by doctors for supporting fractured bones.

(a) Write chemical name and formula of the powder.
(b) When this white powder is mixed with water a hard solid mass is obtained. Write balanced
chemical equation for the change.
Answer. (a) Calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO4 .1/2 H2O)
(b) CaSO4 .1/2 H2O + 3/2 H2O CaSO4. 2H2O

How will you test for the gas which is liberated when hydrochloric acid reacts with an
active metal?
Bring a burning matchstick near the gas. It burns with ̳pop‘ sound showing that it is
hydrogen.

what is water of crystallization? Write the common name and chemical formula of a commercially important
compound which has ten water molecules as water of crystallization. How is this compound obtained?
Water of crystallization : Crystals of some salts contain certain amount of associated water.
The water associated with the crystal (or molecule) of any salt is called water of crystallisation.
The hydrated salt is known as washing soda which is sodium carbonate containing 10 molecules of water of
crystallization, i.e., it is sodium carbonate decahydrate. Its molecular formula is Na2CO3.10H2O.
It can be obtained by heating baking soda followed by recrystallisation from its aqueous solution

Name the acid present in ant sting and give its chemical formula. Also give the
common method to get relief from the discomfort caused by the ant sting.
Ans. Ant sting contains methanoic acid (formic acid). Its chemical formula is HCOOH. The
common method to get relief is to apply paste of NaCO3 (baking soda) on it
Acids: Acids are sour in taste, turn blue litmus red, and dissolve in water to release H+ ions. Example: Sulphuric acid
(H2SO4), Acetic Acid (CH3COOH), Nitric Acid (HNO3) etc.
Properties of Acids:
• Acids have a sour taste.
• Turns blue litmus red.
• Acid solution conducts electricity.
• Release H+ ions in aqueous solution.

Types of Acids: Acids are divided into two types on the basis of their occurrence i.e., Natural acids and Mineral acids.

Chemical Properties of Acid:

(i) Reaction of acids with metal: Acids give hydrogen gas along with respective salt when they react with a metal.

Examples: Hydrogen gas and zinc chloride are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with zinc metal. Zn (s) + 2HCl
(aq) ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Test for Hydrogen Gas: The gas evolved after reaction of acid with metal can be tested by bringing a lighted candle
near it. If the gas bums with a pop sound, then it confirms the evolution of hydrogen gas. Burning with pop sound is
the characteristic test for hydrogen gas.

(ii) Reaction of acids with metal carbonate: Acids give carbon dioxide gas and respective salts along with water
when they react with metal carbonates. Examples: Hydrochloric acid gives carbon dioxide gas, sodium chloride along
with water when reacts with sodium carbonate.

Na2CO3 (aq) + 2HCl (aq) 2NaCl (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

(iii) Reaction of acid with hydrogen carbonates (bicarbonates): Acids give carbon dioxide gas, respective salt and
water when they react with metal hydrogen carbonate. Example: Sulphuric acid gives sodium sulphate, Carbon
dioxide gas and water when it reacts with sodium bicarbonate.

2NaHCO3 (aq) + H2SO4 (aq) Na2SO4 (aq) + CO2 (g) + H2O (l)

Bases: Bases are bitter in taste, have soapy touch, turn red litmus blue and give hydroxide ions (OH–) in aqueous
solution. Examples: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) – NaOH, Calcium hydroxide – Ca (OH)2 Potassium hydroxide
(caustic potash) – (KOH)

Properties of Bases:

• Have a bitter taste.

• Soapy to touch.
• Turns red litmus blue.
• Conducts electricity in solution.
• Release OH– ions in Aqueous Solution

Types of bases: Bases can be divided in two types – Water soluble and Water-insoluble. The hydroxide of alkali and
alkaline earth metals are soluble in water. These are also known as alkali. For example NaOH, Mg (OH)2, Ca(OH)2

Chemical properties of bases:

(i) Reaction of Base with Metals: When alkali (base) reacts with metal, it produces salt and hydrogen gas. Examples:
Sodium hydroxide gives hydrogen gas and sodium zincate when reacts with zinc metal.

2NaOH (aq) + Zn (s) Na2ZnO2 (aq) + H2 (g)

(ii) Reaction of Base with Oxides of Non-metals: when a base reacts with non-metal oxide, both neutralize each
other resulting respective salt and water. Examples: Sodium hydroxide gives sodium carbonate and water when it
reacts with carbon dioxide.
2NaOH (aq) + CO2 (g) Na2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l)

(iii) Neutralisation Reaction: An acid neutralizes a base when they react with each other and respective salt and
water are formed. Examples: Sodium chloride and water are formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium
hydroxide (a strong base).

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)

(iv)Reaction of Acid with Metal Oxides: Metal oxides are basic in nature. Thus, when an acid reacts with a metal
oxide both neutralize each other. In this reaction, the respective salt and water are formed.

Examples: When an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, reacts with calcium oxide, neutralization reaction takes place and
calcium chloride, along with water is formed.

2HCl (aq) + CaO (aq) CaCl2 (aq) + H2O (l)

Salts: Salts are the ionic compounds which are produced after the neutralization reaction between acid and base.
Salts are electrically neutral.

Sodium chloride is also known as table salt or common salt. Sodium chloride is used to enhance the taste of food.

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
Example: Sodium chloride (NaCl), Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4), Calcium chloride (CaCl2),
Calcium sulphate (CaSO4), Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and Zinc sulphate (ZnSO4)
Sodium chloride (NaCl): It is formed after the reaction between hydrochloric acid (a strong
acid) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base).
HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)

Indicators: Indicators are substances which indicate the acidic or basic nature of the solution by the colour change.
Types of Indicator: There are many types of indicators. Some common types of indicators are:
Natural Indicators: Indicators obtained from natural sources are called Natural Indicators. Litmus, turmeric, red
cabbage, China rose, etc., are some common natural indicators used widely to show the acidic or basic character of
substances.
Litmus: Litmus is obtained from lichens. The solution of litmus is purple in colour. Litmus paper comes in two
colours- blue and red.

2. Olfactory Indicator: Substances which change their smell when mixed with acid or base
are known as Olfactory Indicators. For example; Onion, vanilla etc.
Onion: Paste or juice of onion loses its smell when added with base. It does not change its
smell with acid.
Vanilla: The smell of vanilla vanishes with base, but its smell does not vanish with an acid.

3. Synthetic Indicator: Indicators that are synthesized in the laboratory are known as Synthetic Indicators. For
example; Phenolphthalein, methyl orange, etc.

Indicator Original Colour Acid Base

Red litmus Red No Change Blue

Blue litmus Blue Red No change

Turmeric Yellow No Change Reddish brown

Red cabbage juice Purple Reddish Greenish yellow

 Phenolphthalein Colourless Colourless Pink

Methyl Orange Orange Red Yellow

Onion n/a No change Smell vanishes

Vanilla n/a No change Smell vanishes

pH

For water or neutral solutions: pH = 7

for acidic solutions: pH < 7

for basic solution: pH > 7

Importance of pH everyday life:

(i) pH in our digestive system: Dilute HCl (Hydrochloric acid) helps in digestion of food(proteins) in our stomach.
Excess acid in stomach causes acidity (indigestion). Antacids like magnesium hydroxide [Mg (OH)2] also known as
milk of magnesia and sodium hydrogen carbonate (baking soda) are used to neutralize excess acid.

(ii) Tooth decay caused by acids: The bacteria present in our mouth converts the sugar into acids. When the pH of
acid formed in the mouth falls below 5.5, tooth-decaying starts. The excess acid has to be removed by cleaning the
teeth with good quality toothpaste because these kinds of toothpaste are alkaline in nature.

(iii) Soil of pH and plant growth: Most of the plants have a healthy growth when the soil has a specific pH (close to
7) range which should be neither alkaline nor highly acidic.

Some Important Chemical Compounds

1. Common Salt (Sodium Chloride): Sodium chloride (NaCl) is also known as Common or
Table Salt. It is formed after the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. It is
a neutral salt. The pH value of sodium chloride is about 7. Sodium chloride is used to enhance
the taste of food. Sodium chloride is used in the manufacturing of many chemicals.
HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)

2. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH):

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base. It is also known as caustic soda. It is obtained by the electrolytic decomposition of
solution of sodium chloride (brine). In the process of electrolytic decomposition of brine (aqueous solution of
sodium chloride), brine decomposes to form sodium hydroxide. In this process, chlorine is obtained at anode and
hydrogen gas is obtained at cathode as by products. This whole process is known as Chloro – Alkali process.
2NaCl (aq) + 2H2O (l) 2NaOH (aq) + Cl2 (g) + H2 (g)

Uses of sodium hydroxide: In the manufacture of soaps and detergents.

Uses of chlorine : As a germicide and disinfectant for sterilisation of drinking water and for water of swimming pools.
Uses of hydrogen: In the manufacture of ammonia which is used for the preparation of various fertilizers like urea,
ammonium sulphate etc

3. Bleaching Powder (CaOCl2):

Bleaching powder is also known as chloride of lime. It is a solid and yellowish white in colour. Bleaching powder can
be easily identified by the strong smell of chlorine.
When calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) reacts with chlorine, it gives calcium oxychloride (bleaching powder) and
water is formed.
Ca (OH)2 (aq) + Cl2 (aq) CaOCl2 (aq) + H2O (l)
Use of Bleaching Powder:
• Bleaching powder is used as disinfectant to clean water, moss remover, weed killers, etc.
• Bleaching powder is used for bleaching of cotton in textile industry, bleaching of wood
pulp in paper industry.
• Bleaching powder is used as oxidizing agent in many industries, such as textiles industry,
paper industry, etc.

4. Baking Soda (NaHCO3):

Baking soda is another important product which can be obtained using byproducts of chlor – alkali process. The
chemical name of baking soda is sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium bicarbonate.

Preparation Method: Baking soda is obtained by the reaction of brine with carbon dioxide and
ammonia. This is known as Solvay process.
NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 NH4Cl + NaHCO3

• When baking soda is heated, it decomposes into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water.
2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

Use of Baking Soda:

• Baking soda is used in making of baking powder, which is used in cooking as it produces
carbon dioxide which makes the batter soft and spongy.
When baking soda is heated, it decomposes into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide and water.
2NaHCO3 + heat → Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O

• Baking soda is used as an antacid.

• Baking soda is used in toothpaste which makes the teeth white and plaque free.
• Baking soda is used in cleansing of ornaments made of silver.
• Since sodium hydrogen carbonate gives carbon dioxide and sodium oxide on strong
heating, thus, it is used as a fire extinguisher.

4. Washing Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate decahydrat)

Na2CO3 + 10H2O → Na2CO3 .10H2O

since there are 10 water molecules in washing soda, hence, it is known as Sodium Bicarbonate
decahydrate.
Sodium carbonate is a crystalline solid and it is soluble in water when most of the carbonates are
insoluble in water.
Use of sodium carbonate:
• It is used in the cleaning of cloths.
• In the making of detergent cake and powder.
• In removing the permanent hardness of water.
• It is used in glass and paper industries.

(v) Plaster of Paris: Calcium sulphate hemihydrate [CaSO4. 1⁄2 H2O]

CaSO4.1/2H2O + 3/2H2O CaSO4.2H2O (Gypsum)

Used in making casts and patterns for moulds and statue.

Used as cement in ornamental casting and for making decorative materials.
Used as a fire proofing material and for making chalks.
Used in hospitals in case of bone fracture or strain.