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AS/ A-level Chemistry: Acids and Bases

Acids and Bases

November 29, 2021

In this section of AS/A-level Chemistry, we will discuss acids and bases. The aim of this blog is to give you a preview of this topic.

Acids

  • PROTON DONORS
  • release H⁺ ions when dissolved in aqueous solutions

Type of Acids

  1. Monoprotic Acid: Donates one proton to a base (HCl, HNO₃, CH₃COOH)
  2. Diprotic Acid: Donates two protons to bases (H₂SO₄ → 2H⁺ + SO₄²⁻)
  3. Triprotic Acid: Donates three protons to bases (H₃PO₄ → 3H⁺ + PO₄³⁻)

Bases

  • PROTON ACCEPTORS
  • Any substance that will neutralise an acid to form water

Alkali

  • Release OH⁻ ions in aqueous solutions
  1.  Alkalis:  ACID + BASE → SALT + WATER
  2. Non-soluble bases: ACID + BASE → SALT + WATER
  3. Carbonates: ACID + CARBONATE→ SALT + WATER + CARBON DIOXIDE

Salts

  • Acids whose protons have been replaces by metal or ammonium ions
  • Exists in two forms: Anhydrous and Hydrated

Water of crystallization

  • Water molecules that form an essential part of the crystalline structure of a compound

That's all~