Introduction to Acids and Alkalis | Improve Tuition | Tutors | Tuition | Tutoring

Acids are liquids which are solutions of compounds in water. For example, hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride. They have a lot of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in them. Strong acids, or highly concentrated acids, can be corrosive because they’re so reactive, so they must be handled with care.

Alkalis are the solutions of bases, such as sodium hydroxide. A lot of bases are insoluble, therefore, they cannot be alkalis, BUT all alkalis can be bases. They contain hydroxide ions (OH^–). Like acids, they can also be corrosive if they’re concentrated, so they must also be handled with care.

While acids and alkalis can be dangerous, they can also be very helpful in our daily lives, if used correctly. For example, you might not know that you’ve been sprinkling ethanoic acid over your fish and chips! (Ethanoic acid is the chemical name for vinegar). Lots of alkalis are used in household cleaning products, like bleach and laundry detergent. Fruits and vegetables also have natural acids in them – especially citric fruit, like lemons and oranges.

Common examples of acids	Common examples of alkalis
Ethanoic acid (Vinegar)	Ammonia
Citric acid (Lemon Juice)	Sodium hydroxide
Hydrochloric Acid ( used in the lab and found in the stomach)	Magnesium hydroxide (used for indigestion)
Carbonic acid (Fizzy drinks)	Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
Sulphuric Acid	Barium hydroxide

Properties of acids

Acids have a pH of less than 7
They contain hydrogen ions (H⁺)
They turn litmus paper to red
They have a sour taste (DON’T CHECK THIS)
They can be corrosive or irritant

Properties of alkalis

Alkalis have a pH of more than 7
They are dissolved bases
They contain hydroxide ions (OH^–)
They turn Litmus paper blue
They have a slippery, soapy feel
They have a bitter taste (DON’T CHECK THIS)
They can be corrosive or irritant

Warning Symbols

These are some hazard symbols you may see on the acids and alkalis in the lab. You need to know what they are so that you can act safely around them

This sign means that the chemical is toxic. Anyone who handles this chemical should be wearing safety goggles and gloves, and may need to use a fume cupboard as well.

This sign means that the chemical is an irritant. Anyone handling this should be wearing goggles and if any spills onto their skin, they should wash it off immediately

This sign means that the chemical is corrosive. Anyone handling this chemical should protect their eyes with safety goggles and wear gloves.

This sign means that the chemical is highly flammable. In addition to wearing goggles, anyone handling this chemical should take care to keep it away from any open flames or oxidising materials.

KS3 Chemistry Questions– Introduction to Acids and Alkalis

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1. What do acids have a high concentration of?

a. Hydroxide ions
b. Hydrogen ions
c. Hydrogen atoms
d. Water
e. Chlorine

2. All acids and alkalis are dangerous

a. True
b. False

3. What roles do alkalis play in our daily lives?

a. Seasoning food
b. Cleaning products
c. Perfume
d. Petrol

4. Which of these naturally contains acid?

a. Sugar
b. Flour
c. Apples
d. Water
e. Wood

5. Which of these is NOT a property of an alkali?

a. Bitter taste
b. Fruity smell
c. pH of more than 7
d. Turn Litmus paper blue
e. Slippery/soapy feel

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1.b. Hydrogen ions

2.b. False

3.b. Cleaning products

4.c. Apples

5.b. Fruity smell

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1. What is an alkali?

Answer:

2. Give three examples of common alkali

Answer:

3. Give three examples of common acids

Answer:

4. What does mean?

Answer:

5. How should a corrosive substance be handled?

Answer:

1.
An alkali is a base which has been dissolved into a liquid.

2.
– Ammonia (could be more answers than this)
– Sodium hydroxide
– Magnesium hydroxide
– Sodium bicarbonate
– Barium hydroxide

3.
– Hydrochloric(stomach) acid (could be more answers than this)
– Citric acid (accept lemon juice)
– Carbonic acid
– Ethanoic acid (accept vinegar)
– Sulphuric acid
– Phosphoric acid

4.This symbol means that the substance is toxic.

5.When handling a corrosive substance, safety goggles should be worn to protect the eyes and gloves to protect the hands.

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