Acid-Base Chemistry

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What is an acid?

An acid is a substance that donates protons (H+) and typically has a pH less than 7.

What is a base?

A base is a substance that accepts protons (H+) and usually has a pH greater than 7.

What is the pH scale?

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.

What is a neutralization reaction?

A reaction between an acid and a base, producing water and a salt.

What is a conjugate acid-base pair?

Two species that transform into each other by gain or loss of a proton.

What is a strong acid?

An acid that completely ionizes in solution.

What is a weak acid?

An acid that partially ionizes in solution.

What is the Bronsted-Lowry theory?

It defines acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors.

What is the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases?

Acids increase H+ ions, and bases increase OH- ions in solution.

What role does water play in acid-base reactions?

Water acts as an amphoteric solvent, able to act as both an acid and a base.

What is the autoionization of water?

The self-ionization of water into H3O+ and OH- ions.

Why is the pH of pure water 7?

Because concentrations of H+ and OH- ions are equal, each at 1x10^-7 M.

What is the pH range for acidic solutions?

0 to less than 7 on the pH scale.

What is the importance of buffers?

Buffers resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added.

How is pH calculated?

pH is calculated as the negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration: pH = -log[H+].

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