9 ACIDS AND ALKALIS

9 Acids and Alkalis

S ECTIONAL E XERCISE
9.1 Common acids and alkalis efer to Textbook
p.3–12
Sectional Exercise

A. True or false (5 marks)

Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. Lemons have a sour taste because they contain acids. T

2. Acids have a slippery feel. F

Alkalis
3. Alkalis can be used as cleaning agents. T

4. Acidic solutions conduct electricity. T

Integrated Exercise

5. All acidic solutions are corrosive. F

(Some acids such as citric acid, ethanoic acid and carbonic acid are not corrosive.)

B. Multiple-choice (6 marks)
Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is/are the use(s) of acids?

(1) As preservatives
(2) Making soaps
(3) Removing grease
Spelling Corner

A. (1) only B. (2) only

C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only A

2. Which of the following substances is NOT an alkali?

A. Ammonia solution
B. Potassium hydroxide
C. Sodium chloride
D. Sodium hydroxide C

3. Which of the following substances commonly contains sodium hydroxide?

A. Baking soda
B. Drain cleaners
C. Soft drinks
D. Yoghurt B

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

4. Which of the following acids does vinegar contain?

Sectional Exercise
A. Carbonic acid
B. Ethanoic acid
C. Lactic acid
D. Oxalic acid B

5. Which of the following are the properties of alkalis?

(1) They usually have a sour taste.
(2) They dissolve in water to form solutions which conduct electricity.

Integrated Exercise
(3) They react with acids.
A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) C

6. Which of the following is/are the correct way(s) to handle the acidic or alkaline wastes after
an experiment?
(1) Pour it into the laboratory sink.
(2) Pour it into appropriate waste bottles.
(3) Pour it back into its container.

Spelling Corner
A. (1) only B. (2) only
C. (3) only D. (2) and (3) only B

C. Fill in the blanks (6 marks)

1. Acids have a (a) sour taste. Alkalis have a (b) bitter taste and
also give a (c) slippery feel.

2. Many acids and alkalis used in the school laboratory are (a) corrosive and we must
handle them with great care. We should wear (b) safety goggles to protect
our eyes and wear (c) gloves to avoid direct contact with acids or alkalis.

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

D. Questions (15 marks)

1. Study the substances below and then answer the questions that follow.
Sectional Exercise

toilet cleaner glass cleaner soap

Integrated Exercise

grapes toothpaste

spinach yoghurt baking soda

Spelling Corner

(a) Classify the above substances as acidic or alkaline. (4 marks)

Acidic substances Alkaline substances

toilet cleaner, grapes, spinach, yoghurt glass cleaner, soap, toothpaste, baking soda

Each answer (0.5m)

(b) Which of the above substances should we avoid touching with our bare hands? Why?
(3 marks)

Glass cleaner (1m) and toilet cleaner (1m) because they are corrosive. (1m)

(c) Suggest ONE safety precaution when handling the substance(s) mentioned in (b).
(1 mark)

We should wear gloves. (1m)

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

2. The following reagent bottles contain hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid. However, the
hazard warning labels are missing.

Hydrochloric Sulphuric

Sectional Exercise
acid acid

(a) What hazard warning label should be put on these reagent bottles? Circle the answer.
(1 mark)

A. B. C. D.

Integrated Exercise
(1m)

(b) State TWO properties of acids. (2 marks)

Acids have a sour taste. (1m) / Acidic solutions can conduct electricity. (1m) / Acids react with

alkalis. (1m) / Acids react with many materials including metals. (1m)

(c) Suggest TWO safety precautions when handling acids in the laboratory. (2 marks)

Spelling Corner
Read the hazard warning labels on the reagent bottles. (1m) / Wear safety goggles. (1m) / Wear

gloves. (1m) (Or any other reasonable answers)

(d) If a student gets an acid into his eye accidentally, what should he do immediately?
(2 marks)

He should wash his eye with the eye wash bottle for at least 10 minutes. (1m) If the accident is

serious, he should go to the hospital as soon as possible. (1m)

Total Score :   / 32

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

9.2 Acid-alkali indicators and pH scale efer to Textbook

p.12–29

A. True or false (5 marks)

Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. Acids and alkalis cannot be distinguished by their appearances. T

2. Litmus is a mixture of pigments extracted from lichen. T

3. Universal indicator is a mixture of several indicators. T

Sectional Exercise

4. The pH value is expressed as a number from 1 to 14. F

0
5. The pH value should be an integer and cannot be expressed with decimal places. F
does not have to be can

B. Multiple-choice (5 marks)
Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following indicators CANNOT be used to test for alkalis?

Integrated Exercise

A. Red litmus paper

B. Blue litmus paper
C. pH paper
D. Universal indicator B

2. Which of the following statements about litmus are correct?

(1) Acidic solutions turn blue litmus red.
(2) Alkaline solutions turn red litmus blue.
(3) Neutral solutions turn litmus green.
A. (1) and (2) only
Spelling Corner

B. (1) and (3) only

C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) A

3. Which of the following statements about pH values are correct?

(1) An acidic substance has pH values less than 7.
(2) An alkaline substance has pH values greater than 7.
(3) A neutral substance has a pH value equal to 7.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) D

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

4. The pH value of hydrochloric acid is 1 and the pH

value of black coffee is 5. Which of the following
statements about the two substances is/are correct?
(1) Both substances are acidic.
(2) Black coffee is more acidic than hydrochloric acid.
(3) Hydrochloric acid is acidic while black coffee is alkaline. hydrochloric acid black coffee
pH = 1 pH = 5
A. (1) only B. (3) only

Sectional Exercise
C. (1) and (2) only D. (2) and (3) only A

5. Which of the following can be used to measure the degrees of acidity or alkalinity of a
substance?
(1) Litmus paper
(2) pH meters
(3) pH paper
(4) Universal indicator
A. (1), (2) and (3) only B. (1), (3) and (4) only

Integrated Exercise
C. (2), (3) and (4) only D. (1), (2), (3) and (4) C

C. Fill in the blanks (10 marks)

1. Red cabbage leaves contain (a) pigments which change colour when mixed with
acids or alkalis. They can be used as (b) natural indicators to distinguish acids and
alkalis.

2. The acidity or alkalinity of a substance can be represented by its pH value.

Spelling Corner
3.
(a) acidic (b) neutral (c) alkaline
substances substances substances

pH value

(d) blue litmus paper turns red (e) red litmus paper turns blue

can be measured by using

(f) pH paper or (g) pH meter

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

D. Questions (18 marks)

1. Tommy performs an experiment to make natural indicators from three different plants
shown below.
Sectional Exercise

Hibiscus Marigold Butterfly pea

Original colour of Colour of the extract in an

Plant
the extract acidic solution alkaline solution
Integrated Exercise

Hibiscus dark red red green

Marigold yellow yellow yellow

Butterfly pea blue purple green

(a) In the experiment, what apparatus should Tommy use to grind up the plants with
distilled water in order to prepare the plant extracts? (2 marks)

Pestle (1m) and mortar (1m)

(b) Which of these plant extracts cannot be used as an indicator? Explain your answer.
Spelling Corner

(2 marks)

Extract of Marigold. (1m) It cannot show other colours in acidic and alkaline solutions. (1m)

(c) A few drops of each plant extract are added to the following solutions. What will be the
colour of the plant extract in each of the solutions? Complete the table below. (6 marks)

Colour of the extract in

Plant extract
hydrochloric acid distilled water soap solution lemon juice

Hibiscus red dark red green red

Marigold yellow yellow yellow yellow

Butterfly pea purple blue green purple

Each answer (0.5m)

Hibiscus  大紅花 Butterfly pea  蝶豆花

Marigold  萬壽菊
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 Acids and Alkalis 9

2. The three bottles shown on the right have their

labels missing. These bottles contain dilute
sulphuric acid, distilled water and dilute sodium
hydroxide solution.
P Q R

Susan tries to distinguish them by using litmus paper. She labels the solutions as P, Q and R.

Sectional Exercise
The test results are shown in the table below.

Colour change of litmus paper in

Litmus paper
P Q R

blue litmus paper no change from blue to red no change

red litmus paper from red to blue no change no change

(a) Identify each of the solutions. (3 marks)

Integrated Exercise
(i) Solution P: Dilute sodium hydroxide solution (1m)

(ii) Solution Q: Dilute sulphuric acid (1m)

(iii) Solution R: Distilled water (1m)

(b) Can litmus paper be used to indicate the degrees of acidity or alkalinity of a substance?
Explain your answer. (2 marks)

No, (1m) because litmus paper only shows two different colours and thus the pH value cannot be

determined. (1m)

Spelling Corner
3. Amy wants to use pH paper to find out the pH value of a glass of coke.

coke pH paper

(a) Explain why pH paper CANNOT be used to find out the pH value of coke. (2 marks)

Coke is a liquid with a dark colour. (1m) It masks the colour change of the pH paper. (1m)

(b) Suggest a suitable method to find out the pH value of coke. (1 mark)

Using a pH meter (1m)

Total Score :   / 38

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

9.3 Neutralization efer to Textbook

p.30–44

A. True or false (5 marks)

Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. Neutralization is a chemical reaction. T

2. When an acid and an alkali are mixed, the pH value of the resulting solution
must increase. F
Sectional Exercise

may increase (an alkali is added to an acid) or decrease (an acid is added to an alkali)
3. Heat is absorbed during neutralization. F
released
4. Sodium hydroxide is formed when hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium chloride. F
Sodium chloride sodium hydroxide
5. Mass is conserved in neutralization. T

B. Multiple-choice (7 marks)
Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following about the reaction between an acid and an alkali is/are correct?
Integrated Exercise

(1) A salt is formed.

(2) Heat is released in the reaction.
(3) The total mass of the acid and alkali decreases after the reaction.
A. (2) only
B. (1) and (2) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) B

2. When two solutions X and Y are mixed, a solution with the pH value of 7 is formed. Which
Spelling Corner

of the following are likely the pH values of solutions X and Y?

pH value of solution X pH value of solution Y
A. 1 6
B. 5 12
C. 7 13
D. 8 11 B

3. Which of the following is the most suitable to be used as an indicator in neutralization?

A. Limewater
B. Litmus paper
C. Red cabbage extract
D. Universal indicator D

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

E 4. Which of the following word equations correctly represents the neutralization between an
acid and an alkali?
A. acid + alkali  acid + alkali + water
B. acid + alkali  carbon dioxide + water
C. acid + alkali  salt + water
D. acid + alkali  salt + hydrogen C

E 5. Leo performs an experiment to study the neutralization between ethanoic acid and sodium

Sectional Exercise
hydroxide solution. When he evaporates the neutralized solution to dryness, he finds a white
solid left on the watch glass.

white solid

Integrated Exercise
The white solid is
A. calcium ethanoate.
B. potassium ethanoate.
C. sodium chloride.
D. sodium ethanoate. D

6. Which of the following is NOT an application of neutralization?

Spelling Corner
A. Brushing teeth with alkaline toothpaste
B. Removing stains with acidic solutions
C. Taking antacids to relieve stomach upset
D. Using a soap solution to treat acidic insect bites B

7. Which of the following substances are commonly used by farmers to regulate the pH value
of soil?
(1) Slaked lime
(2) Sulphur
(3) Sodium hydroxide
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) A

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

C. Questions (14 marks)

1. A colourless acid is gradually added to a colourless alkali. The change in the pH value of the
resulting solution is shown in the graph below.

14

12
Sectional Exercise

10

8
pH value
6

0
Integrated Exercise

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Volume of acid added (cm3)

(a) A few drops of universal indicator are added to the alkali before the addition of acid.
Describe the change in colour of the universal indicator during the experiment.
(5 marks)

The universal indicator turns from (i) violet (1m) to (ii) blue (1m) , then
appears (iii) green (1m) , becomes (iv) yellow (1m) and finally turns
(v) red (1m) .
Spelling Corner

(b) What is the pH value of the acid used? (1 mark)

pH 1 (1m)

(c) How much acid is added when the pH value of the resulting solution is 12? (1 mark)

23.5 cm3 (1m)

(d) How much acid is needed to neutralize the alkali? (1 mark)

25 cm3 (1m)

(e) Suggest ONE advantage of using a pH meter rather than universal indicator in this
experiment. (1 mark)

The pH meter can measure the pH value more accurately than universal indicator. (1m)

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

2. Read the article below and answer the questions that follow.

Red fire ants

In 2005, red fire ants were first discovered in Hong Kong. Red fire ants are not a
native species—they come from South America.

Sectional Exercise
red fire ants

Red fire ants are occasionally found in Hong Kong. They are very aggressive and
have a painful sting. We should avoid coming into contact with them. If we are

Integrated Exercise
stung by them, we should take the following measures:
• Wash the wound with a soap solution and water gently.
• Do not scratch the wound.
• Apply ice or a cold pack to relieve the pain.
• Seek medical advice if necessary.

(a) Is soap acidic or alkaline? (1 mark)

Spelling Corner
Alkaline (1m)

(b) Does the sting of a red fire ant contain an acid or an alkali? (1 mark)
Acid (1m)

(c) Name the reaction that happens when the wound is washed with a soap solution.
(1 mark)
Neutralization (1m)

(d) Apart from soap solutions, what other household product is suitable for washing the
wound? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
Tootpaste. (1m) It is alkaline and safe to put on skin. (1m)

Total Score :   / 26

red fire ant  紅火蟻 aggressive  具侵略性

native species  原生物種
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 9 Acids and Alkalis

9.4 Corrosive nature of acids efer to Textbook

p.45–60

A. True or false (6 marks)

Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. The reaction between acid and metal is an example of neutralization. F

2. All metals react with dilute hydrochloric acid. (In Experiment 9.9, students have learned that F
some metals such as iron and copper do
3. Heat is given out when metals react with acids. not react with dilute hydrochloric acid.) T
Sectional Exercise

4. Limestone contains calcium carbonate. T

5. Clean rainwater is slightly alkaline and has a pH value of about 7.6. F

acidic 5.6
6. Acid rain is not only a local problem, but it also affects nearby places. T

B. Multiple-choice (7 marks)
Choose the correct answer for each question.
Integrated Exercise

1. Which of the following substances will react with magnesium to produce hydrogen gas?
(1) Lemon juice
(2) Vinegar
(3) Hydrochloric acid
A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) D

2. Hydrogen gas can be produced from the reaction between hydrochloric acid and
(1) copper.
(2) magnesium.
Spelling Corner

(3) zinc.
A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) C

E 3. Which of the following word equations correctly represents the reaction between sulphuric
acid and aluminium?
A. sulphuric acid + aluminium  aluminium sulphate + hydrogen
B. sulphuric acid + aluminium  aluminium sulphate + water
C. sulphuric acid + aluminium  aluminium chloride + hydrogen
D. sulphuric acid + aluminium  aluminium chloride + water A

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

4. Which of the following cooking pots is/are suitable for cooking

acidic food?
(1) Glass pot
(2) Iron pot
(3) Porcelain pot
A. (1) only
B. (3) only pork knuckles and ginger stew

Sectional Exercise
C. (1) and (2) only
D. (1) and (3) only D

5. Two marble statues are placed in two different areas. Area X is seriously polluted by acid rain
while area Y is not. Which of the following statements is correct?
A. The two statues are corroded at the same rate.
B. The statue in area X is corroded at a higher rate.
C. The statue in area Y is corroded at a higher rate.
D. The two statues are not corroded at all. B

Integrated Exercise
6. Which of the following gases are responsible for the formation of acid rain?
(1) Carbon dioxide
(2) Nitrogen oxides
(3) Sulphur dioxide
A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) C

7. Coral reefs are made up of coral skeletons which contain calcium carbonate. What will
happen to the corals if our oceans become more acidic due to the increasing amount of

Spelling Corner
carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans?

A. The corals will grow faster.

B. The corals will increase in population.
C. The coral reefs will react with sea water to produce hydrogen.
D. The coral reefs will be destroyed by the acidic sea water. D

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

C. Questions (14 marks)

1. Ben wants to prepare a salt from the reaction between zinc and hydrochloric acid. First, he
puts a piece of zinc into a test tube containing dilute hydrochloric acid as shown below.

zinc
Sectional Exercise

dilute hydrochloric acid

(a) A gas is given out in the reaction. (3 marks)

(i) What is this gas? Hydrogen (1m)

(ii) How can this gas be tested?

Put a burning splint at the mouth of the test tube containing the gas. (1m)
Integrated Exercise

If the gas burns with a ‘pop’ sound, it is hydrogen. (1m)

Then, he goes through the following two processes and a salt is obtained after process 2.

Process 1: Process 2:

glass rod
neutralized
solution
neutralized
solution
filter paper
Spelling Corner

evaporating dish

(b) Name process 1 and process 2. (2 marks)

Process 1: Filtration (1m) Process 2: Evaporation (1m)

(c) (i) Is the salt acidic, alkaline or neutral? (1 mark)

Neutral (1m)

E (ii) Write a word equation to show the formation of the salt. (2 marks)

hydrochloric acid + zinc  zinc chloride + hydrogen (2m)

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

2. Ada uses the following set-up to investigate the reaction between marble and dilute nitric
acid.

conical flask
marble

dilute nitric acid

Sectional Exercise
electronic balance

(a) What substance does marble contain? (1 mark)

Calcium carbonate (1m)

E (b) Write a word equation for the reaction between marble and dilute nitric acid.
(2 marks)

nitric acid + calcium carbonate  calcium nitrate + carbon dioxide + water (2m)

Integrated Exercise
(c) It is found that the mass of the set-up decreases after the experiment. Explain why.
(2 marks)

Carbon dioxide is formed in the reaction. (1m) It leaves the conical flask. (1m)

(d) Explain why the temperature of the resulting solution increases after the experiment.
(1 mark)

The reaction gives out heat. (1m)

Total Score :   / 27

9.5 Potential hazards related to the use of acids and alkalis Spelling Corner

A. True or false (4 marks) efer to Textbook

p.61–65
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. Ammonia is a strong alkali. F

2. Strong acids are more corrosive than weak acids. T

3. Diluting concentrated acids or alkalis absorbs heat. F

4. Mixing household cleaners containing acids or alkalis is dangerous. T

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

B. Multiple-choice (4 marks)
Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following acids is a strong acid?

A. Carbonic acid
B. Citric acid
C. Ethanoic acid
D. Nitric acid D
Sectional Exercise

2. Which of the following is NOT a proper procedure for diluting concentrated sodium
hydroxide solution?
A. Add a large amount of water into it.
B. Carry out the dilution in a well ventilated area.
C. Stir the solution slowly during dilution.
D. Wear safety goggles and gloves. A

3. Which of the following chemicals can corrode a piece of cloth seriously?

Integrated Exercise

(1) Calcium chloride

Spelling Corner

(2) Hydrochloric acid

(3) Potassium hydroxide
A. (1) only B. (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) C

4. What are the health hazards of inhaling the acidic or alkaline vapour from strong acids or
alkalis?
(1) Acidic or alkaline vapour can cause unconsciousness.
(2) Acidic or alkaline vapour can cause upset stomachs.
(3) Acidic or alkaline vapour can irritate and corrode our respiratory tract, skin and eyes.
A. (2) only B. (3) only
C. (1) and (2) only D. (1), (2) and (3) B

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

C. Questions (9 marks)
1. Look at the picture below. Mrs Cheung is preparing to clean the bathroom with a
concentrated acidic cleaner. She first dilutes the cleaner.

Sectional Exercise
ABC

Integrated Exercise
cleaner
Do not use
on metal
or marble
surfaces.

Each answer (1m)

(a) Circle THREE potential dangers in the picture. (3 marks)

(b) State THREE safety precautions that Mrs Cheung should take when diluting the
concentrated acidic cleaner? (3 marks)

Spelling Corner
Wear safety goggles and gloves. (1m)

Keep the room well ventilated. (1m)

Add concentrated acidic cleaner slowly to a large amount of water. (1m)

(c) The label of the concentrated acidic cleaner states that the cleaner should not be used
on metal or marble surfaces. Explain why. (3 marks)

Marble contains calcium carbonate. (1m) The acid in the cleaner will react with metals or the

calcium carbonate of the marble, (1m) and thus corrode the metal or marble surfaces. (1m)

Total Score :   / 17

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

I NTEGRATED E XERCISE
A. True or false (10 marks)
Write ‘T’ for a true statement and ‘F’ for a false statement.

1. Toilet cleaners contain an acid which can be used to remove stains. T

2. Not all plant extracts can be used as acid-alkali indicators. T

3. An alkali can neutralize an acid, but not vice versa. F

Sectional Exercise

and
4. Sodium hydroxide reacts with sulphuric acid to give out oxygen. F
produce salt and water
5. Slaked lime can be added to acidic soil to regulate soil pH. T

6. An iron pot is not suitable for cooking acidic food. T

7. Limestone reacts with hydrochloric acid to give out carbon dioxide. T

8. Carbon dioxide is the main air pollutant that causes acid rain. F
Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
9. Strong alkalis are more corrosive than strong acids. F

10. The proper way to dilute a concentrated alkali is to add water to it slowly with stirring. F
Integrated Exercise

it water

B. Multiple-choice (10 marks)

Choose the correct answer for each question.

1. Which of the following substances are acidic?

(1) Yoghurt (2) Tea (3) Liquid soap
Spelling Corner

A. (1) and (2) only

B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) A

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

2. Which of the following solutions should be stored in a brown reagent bottle?

A. Sulphuric acid (Students have learned that nitric acid is stored in a
brown reagent bottle on p.4 of Book 2B. Nitric acid is
B. Hydrochloric acid easily decomposed by light. A brown bottle can
C. Nitric acid prevent nitric acid from being exposed to light.)

D. Potassium hydroxide C

3. Two drops of sodium hydroxide solution are added separately to red litmus paper and blue
litmus paper. Which of the following combinations about the change in colour of the litmus

Sectional Exercise
paper is correct?
Blue litmus paper Red litmus paper
A. From blue to red No change
B. No change From red to blue
C. From blue to red From red to blue
D. No change No change B

Directions: Questions 4 and 5 refer to the following description.

Integrated Exercise
Peter sets up an aquarium with some goldfish. His father tells him that the pH value of the aquarium
should be maintained between 7 and 8.

Spelling Corner
4. From the pH value of the aquarium, what environment does the goldfish need?
A. Strongly acidic
B. Strongly alkaline
C. Neutral or slightly acidic
D. Neutral or slightly alkaline D

5. Which of the following should Peter use to monitor the pH change of the aquarium?
(1) Litmus paper
(2) pH meter
(3) Universal indicator solution
A. (1) only B. (2) only
C. (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) B

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

6. The table below shows the colours of four colourless solutions after a drop of universal
indicator solution is added.

Solution W Solution X Solution Y Solution Z

Colour of the solution

after universal indicator red orange green blue
is added

Which pair of solutions could produce a neutralized solution after mixing?

Sectional Exercise

A. W and X
B. X and Y
C. X and Z
D. Y and Z C

7. The table below shows the pH values of two solutions.

Solution pH value

X 4
Integrated Exercise

Y 10

What happens when solution X is mixed with solution Y?

A. Heat is given out.
B. Carbon dioxide is produced.
C. Hydrogen is produced.
D. The pH value of the of solution becomes 14. A

8. Which of the following statements about sodium chloride are correct?

Spelling Corner

(1) It is neutral.
(2) It is a solid.
(3) It can be formed by neutralization between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.
A. (1) and (2) only B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only D. (1), (2) and (3) D

E 9. Which of the following word equations correctly show(s) a neutralization reaction?

(1) ethanoic acid + sodium hydroxide  sodium ethanoate + water
(2) magnesium + hydrochloric acid  magnesium chloride + hydrogen
(3) nitric acid + calcium carbonate  calcium nitrate + carbon dioxide + water
A. (1) only B. (3) only
C. (1) and (3) only D. (2) and (3) only A

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

10. The photo on the right shows some chicken feet that
have been soaked in a concentrated sodium hydroxide
chicken
solution for two days. The flesh can be easily detached foot
from the bones. This shows that
A. concentrated sodium hydroxide solution is toxic.
B. concentrated sodium hydroxide solution is corrosive.
C. sodium hydroxide solution is much more corrosive than hydrochloric acid.

Sectional Exercise
D. sodium hydroxide solution can be used to preserve chicken feet. B

C. Questions (30 marks)

EM
ST
1. In a chemical company, a research team has developed three acid-alkali indicators.
pH
value Validity
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Cost
period
Indicator

Integrated Exercise
P yellow orange pink 6 months **

Q orange yellow grey purple 4 months **

R red yellow 5 months ***

(Note: The more ‘*’, the higher the cost)

(a) The table below shows the colour of the three indicators after they are added to
solution X.

Indicator P Indicator Q Indicator R

Spelling Corner
Colour pink grey yellow

Which of the following is most likely to be the pH value of solution X? Circle the
answer. (1 mark)

A.
5 B.
6 C.
9 D.
(1m) 11

(b) If you were the leader of the research team, which indicator would you recommend your
company to put up for sale in the market? Give some reasons to support your answer.
(2 marks)
Indicator Q. (1m) Although its validity period is shorter than that of P, it has a broader range of colours

across the pH scale. Also, its cost is lower than that of R. (1m) (Or any other reasonable answers)

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

2. Paul wants to study how the pH value of his saliva changes after eating. He immediately
measures the pH value of his saliva after a meal. Then, he measures the pH value at
five-minute intervals for 40 minutes. The result is shown in the graph below.

7
Sectional Exercise

pH value 4

1
Integrated Exercise

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Time (min)

(a) What is the pH value of Paul’s saliva right after the meal? (1 mark)

pH 7.4 (1m)

(b) What is the minimum pH value of his saliva after the meal? (1 mark)

pH 4.7 (1m)

(c) How long does it take for the saliva to return to its original pH value after the meal?
Spelling Corner

(1 mark)

40 minutes (1m)

(d) There are a lot of bacteria in our mouth. Explain how the bacteria cause the drop of the
pH value of the saliva after a meal. (2 marks)

The bacteria convert the sugar left in the food residue into acids, (1m) causing the drop of pH

value of the saliva. (1m)

(e) Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. Explain why.
(2 marks)

Chewing can stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. (1m) Saliva is slightly alkaline and

can neutralize the acids in the mouth. (1m)

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

3. Joyce performs an experiment to find out which type of shell (chicken eggshell, duck eggshell
or oyster shell) contains the greatest amount of calcium carbonate. Her experimental set-up
is shown below.

Sectional Exercise
gas collected
dilute hydrochloric acid

measuring cylinder

water
shell

Integrated Exercise
(a) What are the controlled variables in this experiment? (2 marks)

The mass of the different types of shells used (1m)

The amount of the dilute hydrochloric acid added (1m)

(b) Explain why the shells must be completely soaked in the acid. (1 mark)
To ensure that the reaction between the shells and the acid is complete (1m)

Spelling Corner

(c) Suggest the use of the measuring cylinder in the experiment. (1 mark)

To measure the volume of the carbon dioxide produced (1m)

(d) How can Joyce determine which type of shell contains the greatest amount of calcium
carbonate from the results? (1 mark)

The type of shell which contains the greatest amount of calcium carbonate will produce the

greatest volume of carbon dioxide. (1m)

E (e) Write the word equation for the reaction that takes place in the conical flask. (2 marks)

hydrochloric acid + calcium carbonate  calcium chloride + carbon dioxide + water (2m)

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

4. The diagram below shows how acid rain forms.

power stations
Sectional Exercise

acid rain
factories

vehicles
Integrated Exercise

(a) (i) List TWO acidic gases that cause acid rain. (1 mark)

Sulphur dioxide (0.5m) and nitrogen oxides (0.5m)

(ii) Where do these gases come from? (1 mark)

Power stations, factories and vehicles (1m)

(b) What effects does acid rain have on each of the following? (3 marks)

(i) Buildings

It can corrode buildings made of metal or marble. (1m)

Spelling Corner

(ii) Lakes

It increases the acidity of the water in lakes. Most aquatic life cannot survive in water which

is too acidic. (1m)

(iii) Trees

It increases the acidity of soil. Many plants cannot grow well in acidic soil. (1m)

(c) Describe how each of the following ways can help control acid rain. (2 marks)

(i) Using renewable energy sources to generate electricity

This can reduce the emission of acidic gases from coal-fired power stations. (1m)

(ii) Using public transport whenever possible

This can reduce the emission of acidic gases from private cars. (1m)

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 Acids and Alkalis 9

5. Mary is handling concentrated sulphuric acid in a laboratory.

fume cupboard

Sectional Exercise
(a) Write TWO safety precautions that Mary has taken. (2 marks)

Integrated Exercise
She is wearing safety goggles and gloves. (1m)

She is carrying out the experiment in a fume cupboard. (1m)

(b) Mary is going to dilute the acid. She is advised not to add water to the concentrated acid
directly.

(i) Explain why it is dangerous to add water to a beaker of concentrated sulphuric

acid. (1 mark)

A large amount of heat is released when concentrated sulphuric acid is mixed with water.

The solution may splash out. (1m)

Spelling Corner
(ii) Suggest a correct method for diluting concentrated sulphuric acid. (2 marks)

Add concentrated sulphuric acid to a large amount of water gradually. (1m) Stir the solution

continuously and slowly. (1m)

(c) If Mary’s clothing is accidentally splashed with the acid, what emergency treatment
should she do? (1 mark)
She should carefully remove any contaminated clothing and avoid making contact with

the acid. (1m)

Total Score :   / 50

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 9 Acids and Alkalis

S PELLING C ORNER
Look at each group of figures below. Use one key term in science to describe the figures. The
letters forming the missing part of the key term can be found on the right.
1.

A I I
R T
C
Sectional Exercise

D O
N

Key term: ACID-ALKALI  I N D I C A T O R

2.
E Z U
L
Integrated Exercise

A
A T I
R
N O
N I
T
Key term: N E U T R A L I Z A T I O N

3.
Spelling Corner

R S R
O E
C V O
I

Key term: C O R R O S I V E

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