Chem Standard Post

ChemStd 5a: Students know the observable properties of acids, bases, and salts.



Acids and bases are substances that donate and receive protons. They are rated based on a pH scale from 0 to 14.

Acids are proton donating substances that give away protons when aqueous. Examples of some acids include hydrogen chloride (HCl), carbonic acid (H2CO3), and citric acid in lemons and oranges.

Some properties of acids:

they are corrosive

they taste sour

they neutralize bases

pH is less than 7

blue to red, acid

Bases are substances that receive protons, namely from acids. Bases can be found in many cleaning products like soap. Examples of bases include ammonia (NH4), caustic soda (NaOH), and milk.

Some properties of bases:

they are corrosive

they feel soapy

they taste sour

have pH more than 7

red to blue, baseroo



Salts are ionic compounds that result when you mix an acid and a base together. It's composed of a metal and a nonmetal cation and anion. When you put salts in water they dissolve and separate into their ions. Common table salt (NaCl) is the best known example of a salt.

Some properties of salts:

they are ionic

crystallized structure

dissolve in water

conduct electrical current in water

high melting point

brittle