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Acid-Base Introduction definitions

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  • Acid
    Covalent compound with hydrogen ion bonded to a nonmetal or polyatomic ion, often producing sour taste and turning blue litmus paper red.
  • Base
    Ionic compound with a metal cation and hydroxide anion, or a nitrogen-containing amine, producing bitter taste and turning red litmus paper blue.
  • Covalent Compound
    Molecule formed by sharing electrons between nonmetals, often found in acids.
  • Ionic Compound
    Substance composed of metal cations and nonmetal anions held together by electrostatic forces, typical of bases.
  • Hydrogen Ion
    Positively charged particle released by acids in water, responsible for sour taste and reactivity.
  • Hydroxide Ion
    Negatively charged particle found in bases, responsible for slippery feel and bitter taste.
  • Aqueous Solution
    Mixture where substances are dissolved in water, allowing acids and bases to ionize and exhibit characteristic behaviors.
  • Ionization
    Process where molecules separate into charged particles when dissolved in water, key for acid and base activity.
  • Litmus Paper
    Indicator strip that changes color to reveal acidic or basic nature of a solution.
  • Sour Taste
    Sensory property caused by hydrogen ions, commonly associated with acids like those in citrus fruits.
  • Bitter Taste
    Sensory property linked to bases, often experienced with substances like soap.
  • Slippery Feel
    Tactile sensation produced by bases in solution, commonly noticed with soaps.
  • Reactivity with Metals
    Characteristic of acids to produce hydrogen gas when interacting with metals such as magnesium.
  • Polyatomic Ion
    Charged group of atoms acting as a single unit, often found in acids and bases.
  • Amines
    Nitrogen-containing covalent compounds that can act as bases in aqueous solutions.