Chapter 2 – Acids, Bases and salts

Indicator:
An indicator is a chemical compound that changes its colour in presence of an acid or base.

Types of indicators:
Natural indicators: Natural Indicatora are indicator that are found in nature. Eg, Litimus, Turmeric and
Red Cabbage

Artificial indicators: Synthetic indicators, often known as artificial indicators, are acid-base indicators that
are made from artificial form various chemicals. Eg, Methyl Orange, Phenolphthalein, etc.

Olfactory indicators: An olfactory indicator is a chemical that changes its scent depending on whether it’s
combined with an acidic or basic solution. Eg, Onion extract, Vanilla extract, etc

Physical properties of acids:

Sour taste: Almost all acidic substances have a sour taste.
Action on litmus solution:Acids turn blue litmus solution red.
Action on methyl orange:Acids turn methyl orange pink.
Action on phenolphthalein:Phenolphthalein remains colourless in acid.
Conduction of electricity:The aqueous solution of acid conducts electricity.
Corrosive nature:Most acids are corrosive in nature. They produce a burning sensation on the skin and
make holes on surfaces on which they fall.
They produce H+ ions when mixed with water.

Chemical properties of acids:

Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen gas
eg: Zn (s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2(g)

Metal carbonate + Acid → Metal Salt + CO2 + H2O

eg: Na2CO3(s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Metal hydrogen carbonate (or metal bicarbonate) + Acid → Metal Salt + CO2 + H2O
eg: Na2HCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 2CO2 (g)

Acid + Base → Salt + water

eg: NaOH (aq) + HCl (aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)

Physical properties of bases:

Bitter taste: Almost all basic substances have a bitter taste.
Action on litmus solution: Bases turn red litmus solution blue.
Action on methyl orange: Bases turn methyl orange yellow.
Action on phenolphthalein: Bases turn phenolphthalein solution pink.
Conduction of electricity: The aqueous solution of base conducts electricity.
Corrosive nature:Most acids are corrosive in nature. They produce a burning sensation on the skin and
make holes on surfaces on which they fall.