Who invented acid and base

Arrhenius defined bases as substances that dissolve in water to release hydroxide ions OH- into solution. For example, a typical base according to the Arrhenius definition is sodium hydroxide NaOH :. The Arrhenius definition of acids and bases explains a number of things. The Arrhenius definition also explains Boyle's observation that acids and bases counteract each other. This idea, that a base can make an acid weaker, and vice versa, is called neutralization.

The neutralization reaction of an acid with a base will always produce water and a salt , as shown below:. For example, the Arrhenius definition does not explain why some substances, such as common baking soda NaHCO 3 , can act like a base even though they do not contain hydroxide ions.

In essence, a base is the opposite of an acid. Baking soda NaHCO 3 , for example, acts like a base by accepting a hydrogen ion from an acid as illustrated below:. In this example, the carbonic acid formed H 2 CO 3 undergoes rapid decomposition to water and gaseous carbon dioxide, and so the solution bubbles as CO 2 gas is released.

November 13, at am. Basic — or alkaline — describes properties of certain molecules in a solution. These substances are the opposite of acids — such as the citric, ascorbic and malic acids that give lemon juice its puckering sourness. Throughout history, chemists have created different definitions of acids and bases. It describes an acid as a molecule that will give away a proton — a type of subatomic particle, sometimes called a hydrogen ion — from one of its hydrogen atoms.

Hydrogen, the simplest atom, is made up of one proton and one electron. This is why scientists sometimes call acids proton donors. Acids will taste sour. The type in vinegar is known as acetic Uh-SEE-tik acid. Citric SIT-rik acid is what makes orange juice sour. One example of a base is ammonia. Its chemical formula is NH 3. You can find it in many window-cleaning products. Information is collected automatically by NKU as part of the software operation of our website.

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