Acids and Bases
⭐ MasteredAcids taste sour, like lemon juice, and bases feel slippery, like soap. The pH scale from 0 to 14 shows how acidic something is.
Pure water has a neutral pH of 7.
All about Acids and Bases
Acids and bases are two groups of chemicals that react with each other. Acids, such as lemon juice and vinegar, taste sour. Bases, such as baking soda and soap, feel slippery and often taste bitter.
Scientists use the pH scale from 0 to 14 to measure how acidic or basic something is. A pH of 7 is neutral, like pure water. Lower numbers are more acidic and higher numbers are more basic. Never taste chemicals to test them.
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Real-life uses of Acids and Bases
- Using vinegar to clean limescale and soap scum
- Relieving heartburn with antacid tablets, which are bases
- Using indicators like red cabbage juice to show whether something is acidic
Frequently asked questions about Acids and Bases
What is the pH of pure water?
Pure water has a pH of 7, which is neutral.
What happens when an acid meets a base?
They neutralise each other and form water and a salt. This reaction is used in many cleaning products.
Is every acid dangerous?
Many household acids, such as vinegar and lemon juice, are safe to eat in small amounts, but strong acids can be very harmful. Always ask an adult before handling chemicals.