Acid vs Base- Definition, 16 Major Differences, Examples

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Differences between Acid and Base

Differences between Acid and Base

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Basis

Acid

Base
Arrhenius concept An acid is a substance that produces hydrogen ion (H+) as the only positive ion when mixed with water. A base is a substance that produces hydroxyl ion (OH–) as the only negative ion when mixed with water.
Bronsted-Lowry Concept An acid is a species that can release/donate a proton to another species. A base is a species that can accept a proton.
Lewis Concept An acid is a species that can accept an electron pair. A base is a species that can donate an electron pair.
Strength The strength of an acid is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions. The strength of a base is based on the concentration of hydroxyl ions.
Physical nature Acids are corrosive in nature. Bases are slippery in nature.
Physical state Acids exist as solid, liquid, and gas-based on temperature. Bases usually exist in the solid-state except for ammonia which exists as a gas.
Taste Acids are sour in taste. Bases taste bitter.
Dissociation

 

 Acids release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. Bases release hydroxyl ions (OH–) when dissolved in water.
Dissociation constant The dissociation constant of a strong acid is -2. The dissociation constant of a strong base is 12.
pH value The pH value of acid is lower than that of water (7) with an acid of pH 1 being the strongest acid. The pH value of the base is higher than that of water and with base pH 14 being the strongest base.
Test with litmus Acids turn a blue litmus paper into red. Bases turn a red litmus paper into blue.
Test with phenolphthalein Phenolphthalein turns colorless in acidic solutions. Phenolphthalein turns pink in basic solutions.
Test with methyl orange Methyl orange turns red in color in acidic solutions. Methyl orange turns orange in color in basic solutions.
Test with universal indicator In the universal indicator, yellow and red color indicates acidic solutions. In the universal indicator, blue and violet color indicates basic solutions.
Reaction with metal Acids react with metals to give H2 gas. Bases don’t react with metals.
Examples Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Nitric acid (HNO3), Phosphoric acid (H3PO4), Oxalic acid (C2H2O4), Boric acid (H3BO3), Acetic acid (CH3COOH), carbonic acid, (H2CO3), Aluminium chloride (AlCl3), etc. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Calcium oxide (CaO), Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), Pyridine (C5H5N), Histidine (C6H9N3O2), Ammonia (NH3), etc.

References

  • Gautum SD, Pant M, and Adhikari NR (2016). Comprehensive Chemistry, Part 2. Sixth Edition. Heritage Publishers and Distributors Pvt. Ltd.

Internet Sources

  • 5% – https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/15-2-lewis-acids-and-bases/
  • 3% – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol_phthalein
  • 3% – https://brainly.com/question/2624790
  • 2% – https://www.microchemicals.com/products/etchants.html
  • 2% – https://quizlet.com/136496265/chapter-18-flash-cards/
  • 1% – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid%E2%80%93base_reaction
  • 1% – https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Map%3A_A_Molecular_Approach_(Tro)/16%3A_Acids_and_Bases/16.04%3A_Acid_Strength_and_the_Acid_Dissociation_Constant_(Ka)
  • 1% – https://brainly.com/question/3458136
  • 1% – https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070919080405AAvP2Rr

Differences between Acid and Base

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Jyoti Bashyal

Jyoti Bashyal is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the University of New Mexico, USA. Her research explores how proteins change their shape and behavior in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. She is interested in how small molecular changes can push a protein away from its healthy role and toward disease, and what those changes reveal about how neurons stay healthy. Her work combines protein biochemistry, chemical biology, and computational tools, building on her earlier research in organic and computational chemistry in Nepal. Outside the lab, she is a dedicated science communicator who loves making complex concepts approachable and engaging. Through writing and teaching, she hopes to spark curiosity about science in students everywhere, especially those who have not yet had the chance to see research up close. Her goal is to connect fundamental discoveries about proteins to real-world understanding of disease and help others see the power and beauty of science in action.

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