Acids, Bases and Their Uses in Our Daily Life

Acid and bases can be found everywhere in our daily life products. Let it be the lemon and vinegar (acids) we add to our eatables or the soap and bleach (bases) we use to wash our clothes with; there are countless examples of acids and bases around us.

Acids are basically the substances with a pH level below 7, and they are capable of donating their hydrogen ions (H+), whereas the bases, on the other hand, are the substances with pH levels ranging from 7-14, and these compounds are capable of donating their hydroxyl ion (OH–).

Are you working on your exam? You are at the right place! Read below all about the detailed aspects of acids, bases, and their reactions.

Acid

Acid is a substance that is usually a liquid and contains a hydrogen ion that is ready to be donated, and it produces certain salts upon reaction with other substances. The acids are found in our common food items, including citrus fruits.

Theories associated with acids

Acids have been defined by three different theories, with all explaining distinct features of acids. Here we have discussed the general ideas behind the three theories of acids.

Arrhenius theory of acid:

According to this theory, acid is defined as a substance that yields electronically charged ions, i.e., Hydrogen, in an aqueous solution.

Bronsted-Lowry theory of acid:

According to this theory of acids, acid is a substance that donates a proton in an aqueous solution.

Lewis theory of acid

As per the Lewis theory of acid, an acid is a substance that accepts electrons when present in an aqueous solution.

Examples of acids

Here are some of the common examples of acids and how they are used based on their chemical and physical properties.

• Carbonic acid
• Acetic acid
• Citric acid
• Hydrochloric acid
• Sulphuric acid
• Nitric acid

Let’s discuss in depth the daily life uses of these acid examples.

Carbonic acid

The carbonic acid with the chemical formula (H2CO3) is a type of acid that is mainly composed of Hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Normally at temperatures above −80 °C, this acid tends to decompose.

The sodas, bubbly drinks, and carbonated drinks that we normally drink all contain carbonic acid as a chief constituent. Other than this, it is also present in groundwater, rainwater, and certain plants.

Other common uses of carbonic acid include:

• Plays a key role in the transport of carbon dioxide in the blood.
• Medically, it is sometimes used to prevent induced vomiting.
• Carbonated or fizzy water is made by adding carbonic acid to water.

Acetic acid

The acetic acid with the chemical formula (CH3COOH) is also known more commonly as ethanoic acid. Besides being a main component of the vinegar acid and being responsible for its classic odor, acetic acid is also used in other areas such as printing processes and textiles production.

These are some other relevant uses of the acetic acid:

• Many industries use acetic acid for the manufacture of certain products like acetates and esters.
• Food products like pickles are preserved by the use of acetic acid.
• It can be used as a solvent for inks and paints.

Citric acid

The citric acid with the chemical formula HOC(CH₂CO₂H)₂ is considered as a colorless organic acid, and it can easily be found in some fruits and vegetables of our daily uses, including lemon, oranges, and other citrus fruits. It is known to have a sour-tasting nature.

These are some other common uses of citric acid:

• The food industry uses citric acid to enhance the flavor of certain food products, such as carbonated drinks.
• It is used by the cosmetic industry to preserve and enhance the quality of products.
• Citric acid is used as a cleaning agent to kill harmful organisms, remove stains and brighten up the space.

Hydrochloric acid

Hydrochloric acid with the chemical formula (H⁺ Cl⁻) is, also sometimes known as muriatic acid, does not exhibit any particular color, but it is considered a strong and corrosive acid. In our digestive system, hydrochloric acid is known to be a major component of gastric juice and further facilitates the breakdown and digestion of foods.

These are some of the other common uses of hydrochloric acid.

• It is used to clean metal and steel products.
• Hydrochloric acid can be used as a household cleaner to clean toilet utilities.
• Swimming is often cleaned and maintained by the use of hydrochloric acid.

Sulphuric acid

Sulphuric acid with the chemical formula (H2SO4) is sometimes known as hydrogen sulfate. Being oil-based, colorless, and corrosive, it is majorly used on lead-acid-based batteries.

These are some of the other common uses of sulphuric acid:

• It is sometimes used as a drain cleaner at homes.
• Sulphuric acid is used in the manufacturing of detergents, paper, and explosives.
• Medically it is used to treat bruises by its addition in the ointments.

Nitric acid

Nitric acid with the chemical formula (HNO3) is a colorless and extremely corrosive acid. Its fuming property makes it the main constituent in the production of explosives.

Here are some of the other common uses of nitric acid:

• By the production of ammonium nitrate, nitric acid is used as the main component in the manufacturing of fertilizers.
• Nitrogen-based compounds like nylon are produced by the use of nitric acid.
• It is used as a cleaning agent in kitchens.

Physical properties of acids

These are some of the common physical properties associated with acids.

• Acids are known to have a particularly sour taste that distinguishes them from other substances like bases. This sour taste can be found commonly in the citrus fruits we consume, like lemon and oranges.
• Acids usually turn the blue litmus paper to red.
• When an acid is strong, it can cause a burn on the fabric and on the skin as well.
• Being strong electrolytes, acids are known to be good conductors of electricity.
• When diluted with water, the acidity level of acids can be brought down.
• With the exception of a few acids like zeolitic materials, acids are commonly found in the liquid or gaseous form.

Chemical properties of acids

These are some of the common chemical properties that are associated with acids.

• Acids have a pH lower than 7. As the pH gets lower, the acidity level of acid increases.
• Upon reaction with other metals, acids are known to yield hydrogen ions.
• Reaction with base: When an equal amount of acid reacts with an equal amount of base, the base reacts to neutralize the action acid. In this way, a new product is formed with salt and water as the final products.

This neutralization reaction can be seen when hydrochloric acid- HCl (acid) reacts with sodium hydroxide- NaOH (base), and the resulting product is Sodium chloride- NaCl (table salt) and water- H2O

• Reaction with carbonates: This reaction is a little different from the reaction with bases. When an acid reacts with a carbonate, the resulting product is salt, water, and carbon dioxide.

This can be seen in the example when magnesium bicarbonate-MgCO3 (Carbonate) reacts with two molecules of hydrochloric acid- 2HCl (acid) the resulting product is magnesium chloride- MgCl2 (salt), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O)

• On the other hand, when an acid reacts with a metal, it produces salt and hydrogen gas as a final product.

Acidity types

Based on the level of acidity, there can be a few categories of acids. Let’s discuss how these categories differ based on the level of acidity.

Strong- When the acid has the ability to break off entirely, and as a result, it gives off a maximum number of ions or protons, then the acid is considered a strong acid. Some of the examples of a strong acid include Hydrochloric acid, Nitric acid, and Sulfuric acid.

Weak- On the other hand, when an acid does not dissociate entirely in a solution and hence it is not able to give off all of its ions or protons, then the acid is categorized as a weak acid. Some examples of weak acids include acetic acid, oxalic acid, and benzoic acid.

General uses of the acids

From our homes to industries, the use of acids is induced in our daily lives one way or the other. Here we have listed some of the major ways acids are generally used in our everyday life.

1. Acids are used in the production of fertilizers. Some acids like nitric acid and sulfuric acid are used in the production of fertilizers.
2. The reaction of acids with metals is utilized in the cleaning of metal surfaces. This is done by the release of hydrogen gas as a byproduct that aids in the cleaning of metal surfaces.
3. Sulfuric acid is used as an electrolyte between the anode and cathode in a lead-acid battery. Being an electrolyte, it keeps both ends separated from each other.
4. Carboxylic acid is involved in the production of esters. Esters are generally used in perfumes and as an organic solvent.
5. In gastric juice, hydrochloric acid is present that helps in the breakdown and digestion of certain food products.
6. Our genetic materials that are DNA and RNA, both have nucleic acid as their major component.
7. Amino acids and fatty acids are chief energy components of the body, with acids as the major constituent.
8. The sour taste in foods is due to the citric acid that is present in some food items, including citrus fruits.
9. Ascorbic acid is present in some fruits in the form of Vitamin C, which is a water-soluble vitamin required by the body. It is also given as a supplement medicine for the treatment of scurvy disease.
10. Acetic acid is found in vinegar which is added to many food products.
11. Acetylsalicylic acid is used as a pain killer, which is more commonly known as aspirin.
12. Acids are used to preserve food such as pickles.

The pH level of acids and bases

The potential of Hydrogen or pH is known as the hydrogen concentration in a solution. The level of hydrogen concentration in a solution is used to indicate the pH level of the solution hence determining the acidity or basicity of it. The pH table ranges from 0 to 14. In this range, 7 is considered as a neutral solution such as water.

From 7 to 14, the range is used to measure the basicity of a solution, with 14 being a strong base, whereas 0 to 7 indicates the acidity of a solution, with 0 or 1 being a strong acid.

Here are some of the examples of strong and weak acids and bases with their respective pH levels.

Acids

Some of the acid names with their pH level are

1. Hydrochloric acid (3.01 pH value)
2. Silicic acid (6.40 pH value)
3. Sulphuric acid (2.75 pH value)
4. Boric acid (6.12 pH value)
5. Lactic acid (3.51 pH value)

Bases

Some of the base names with their pH levels are

1. Sodium Hydroxide (10.98 pH value)
2. Calcium hydroxide (11.27 pH value)
3. Zinc hydroxide (8.88 pH value)
4. Sodium carbonate (10.52 pH value)
5. Ammonium hydroxide (10.09 pH value)

Litmus paper and Litmus paper test

Litmus paper is a paper that has been prepared specially from treatment with a mixture of several dyes.

The purpose of the litmus paper is to indicate whether a particular solution is an acid or a base. In order to perform the indicator test, a small amount of the sample solution is added to the paper. The paper then changes its color to indicate the nature of the solution being acidic or basic.

If the litmus paper turns red, then the solution is found to be acidic.

If the litmus paper turns blue, then the solution is found to be basic.

If the litmus paper turns purple, then the solution is found to be neutral.

Neutral substance

A neutral substance is one that does not show any property related to an acid or a base. These solutions have a balanced concentration of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions in them. Their pH usually stands at 7. Being neutral, they do not exhibit any particular kind of change as an indicator.

A common example of a neutral substance with no acidic or basic quality is water and human saliva with a pH of 7.

When a neutral substance gains a pH value above 7, it becomes basic, whereas if its pH level comes down in a reaction, it becomes acidic.

Base

A base is defined as any substance that produces hydroxyl ions (OH–) in an aqueous solution and holds the ability to neutralize an acid with a pH greater than 7.

Theories associated with bases

According to the different aspects of bases, there are three distinct theories that are associated with bases. Here are some of the theories that have been used to describe a base:

Arrhenius theory of a base:

According to this theory, a base is defined as a substance that is capable of donating a hydroxyl ion (OH–) when present in an aqueous solution.

Bronsted-Lowry theory of base:

According to the Bronsted Lowry Theory of bases, a base can be defined as a substance that is capable of accepting a proton when present in an aqueous solution.

Lewis theory of base:

According to this theory of base, a base is defined as a substance that can donate an electron pair when it is present in an aqueous solution.

Examples of bases:

Based on the difference of their physical and chemical properties, there are several examples of bases as mentioned below:

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
• Lithium hydroxide (LIOH)
• Zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2.)
• Rubidium hydroxide (ROH)

Here are some of the daily life uses of these bases mentioned above

Sodium hydroxide

Sodium hydroxide with a chemical formula NaOH, also known as caustic soda, is an odorless base. It is used in the production of soaps, and because of its corrosive nature, it is also used in the production of explosive products.

These are some of the other common uses of sodium hydroxide:

• It is used in the production of soaps and detergents to be used as disinfectants or cleaners in homes.
• Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of several medicines.
• Water quality is maintained by bases that regulate the acid levels in the water.

Potassium hydroxide

Potassium hydroxide with the chemical formula (KOH) is an odorless and white inorganic substance, and it is considered a highly strong base with multiple applications in the industrial sector.

These are some of the common uses of potassium hydroxide:

• Being a strong base, potassium hydroxide is used in the reaction with different acids for the production of salts by the process of neutralization.
• Potassium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in the manufacturing of many batteries.
• It is used in the process of paper manufacturing.

Calcium hydroxide

Calcium hydroxide with the chemical formula (Ca(OH)2), also known as slaked lime, forms a product known as lime water when dissolved in an aqueous solution. It is usually a colorless white powder widely being used in industrial processes.

Here are some of the common uses of calcium hydroxide:

• In some regions, calcium hydroxide is used in the processing of corn.
• It is used to regulate the acidic content of substances by neutralizing them.
• In the food industry, it is used as a baking soda substitute.

Lithium hydroxide

Lithium hydroxide with the chemical formula (LIOH) is a white solid inorganic compound that results from a chemical reaction between lime and lithium carbonate. Lithium hydroxide is usually classified as a strong base.

Here are some of the common uses of lithium hydroxide:

• Lithium hydroxide is currently being used as a cathode raw material in Electric car batteries.
• It is used to improve the reaction and the quality of the dye.
• Lithium hydroxide is also sometimes used during the manufacturing process of lithium salts.

Zinc hydroxide

Zinc hydroxide with the chemical formula Zn(OH)₂ is considered an amphoteric natured inorganic compound that is usually reactive to bases and acids. With notable uses in the medical industry, here are some common uses associated with zinc hydroxide:

• In surgical dressing, the bandage is usually coated with it to aid in the blood absorbing process.
• Zinc hydroxide is used in the production process of commercial products such as pesticides and pigments.
• It is used to provide a protective coating to steel and iron to protect them from rusting.

Rubidium hydroxide

Rubidium hydroxide with the chemical formula (RbOH) is usually a plain colorless solid compound, but commercially, it is available in aqueous form. As Rubidium Hydroxide is a strong base, it is considered highly corrosive.

Here are some of the common uses of rubidium hydroxide

• Rubidium hydroxide is used in the production process of other compounds associated with rubidium.
• It is used in the production of explosives such as fireworks to help prevent the waste of expensive forms of pure rubidium.

Physical properties of bases

Here are some of the physical properties of bases:

• Contrary to the sour taste of acids, the bases are known to have a rather bitter taste.
• In an aqueous solution, bases usually disassociate, which allows the solution to have a good flow of electricity.
• The texture of bases is generally known to be slippery, just like that of soap.
• Red litmus paper is turned into a blue color with bases.
• Upon dilution with water, the level of alkalinity of bases can be brought down.
• Bases are either strong or weak based on their pH level. Strong bases are corrosive in nature, whereas weak bases are less corrosive in nature.
• Bases do not generally exhibit any particular smell except for ammonia. Ammonia has a pungent odor.

Chemical properties of bases

Here are some of the chemical properties that are associated with bases:

• The pH level of bases range from 7 to14
• Bases are proton acceptors. They can accept a proton from another donor.
• Bases form salts by the process of a neutralization reaction. When a base reacts with an acid, this results in the formation of salt and water. This is known as the neutralization reaction.
• Reaction with metals: When bases react with metal, they produce salts and hydrogen gas. When zinc (Zn) comes in reaction with sodium hydroxide (2NaOH), they react to produce a salt (Na2ZnO2), and hydrogen gas (H2) is evolved.
• Bases dissociate in an aqueous solution forming up a negatively charged hydroxyl ion (OH-) and a positively charged ion.
  When Potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissociates in water, it gives rise to a negatively
  charged (OH-) ion and a positively charged potassium ion (K+).

Basicity types

On the level of basicity in a substance, bases are divided into a few categories. Some of them have been discussed here:

Strong- When a base is present in an aqueous solution, and it is able to completely dissociate in it, A strong base is also known to be a very good proton acceptor. Some examples of strong bases include Sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.

Weak- A weak base is not a very good proton acceptor. Other than this, when a base is present in an aqueous solution and it does not dissociate completely, it is regarded as a weak base because the solution does not have a lot of concentration of hydroxyl ions from the base. Some of the examples of a weak base include zinc hydroxide, ammonia, and lead hydroxide.

General uses of bases

From soaps to electric batteries, we use bases in our daily life, and here we have discussed some of the general uses of bases in our daily lives:

1. Bases are highly used in the production of soaps and papers.
2. They are used as preservatives in the food industry.
3. Bases are added as flocculants during sewage treatments to properly treat the sewage problem.
4. The textile industry uses bases to manufacture affordable fiber in the form of rayon. Bases are used in the production of rayon.
5. Bases like ammonia are used as a chief material in the production of fertilizers that are nitrogen-based.
6. Hard water is softened by the use of bases. Several bases are added to soften the water, such as calcium hydroxide, borax, and ammonia.
7. Bases are used as cleaning agents.
8. In the medical industry, indigestion, ulcers, and heartburn is treated by the use of bases.
9. Other than being a good preservative, bases are also added to foods as a food thickener.
10. Acidic materials and compounds are naturalized by the addition of bases.
11. Bases are used in the production of cement.
12. Bases such as sodium carbonate and more commonly known as washing soda, are used as cleaning agents at homes.

Conclusion

Acids and bases are chemical substances that give off hydrogen and hydroxyl ions respectively in an aqueous solution. Acids have a pH value below the level of 7, whereas bases have a pH value above the level of 7 and range till 14.

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