Combined ScienceCode 5129
The characteristic properties of acids and bases
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- State that acids in aqueous solution hold H+ ions, and alkalis in aqueous solution hold OH– ions
- State that a base is a metal oxide or metal hydroxide, and that an alkali is a base that is soluble
- Describe the properties that are characteristic of acids, as seen when they react with: (a) some metals (b) bases (c) carbonates
- Outline and apply tests that recognise these gases: (a) carbon dioxide, CO2, with limewater (b) hydrogen, H2, with a lit splint
- Describe the properties that are characteristic of bases, as seen when they react with: (a) acids (b) ammonium salts
- Outline and apply damp red litmus paper as a way of recognising ammonia gas, NH3
- State that acids and bases undergo a neutralisation reaction with each other
- Outline how an acid reacting with an alkali to form water is classed as a neutralisation reaction
- Outline how acids and alkalis affect: (a) universal indicator (b) litmus
- Describe how to use universal indicator to compare relative acidity, relative alkalinity and neutrality by colour and pH, and be able to do this
- State that an acid or an alkali can be corrosive