Acids and bases
An acid is a substance that contains hydrogen that can be replaced
directly, or indirectly, by a metal to form a salt. It is a proton donor; it
can donate protons to other substances.
 Acids taste sour
 are corrosive to metals
 change litmus (a dye extracted from lichens) red
 become less acidic when mixed with bases.
A base is a substance that reacts with an acid to form a salt and water;
it is a proton acceptor.
An alkali is a base that is soluble in water.
 Bases feel slippery
 change litmus blue
 become less basic when mixed with acids.
 Have a bitter taste
 Are corrosive
Baking Soda
Baking soda is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, known
chemically as NaHCO3. It is also called bicarbonate of soda, cooking
soda and bread soda. Baking soda is produced by the reaction of
carbon dioxide, ammonia, sodium chloride (salt) and calcium
carbonate in water. Baking soda is primarily used for baking. It reacts
with other ingredients to release carbon dioxide, which helps the
dough rise. A diluted solution of household baking soda can treat
heartburn and indigestion. It functions as a mouthwash, treats gum
diseases and relieves insect bites. A hydrogen peroxide and sodium
bicarbonate paste can be used as an alternative to commercial
toothpaste. Baking soda is an effective cleaning agent and removes
heavy stains (wine, tea and coffee) from cups and fabric.
Diluted Soaps
Potassium or sodium hydroxide (KOH or NaOH) react with
triglycerides to form soap (the process is called saponification, the
reaction of a strong alkali with fats and oils). Soap is alkaline in nature
and is an effective cleansing agent. It is a useful mild antiseptic and
can treat heavy metal poisoning. A diluted solution of soap makes an
effective insecticide when sprayed on garden plants.
Household Ammonia
Household ammonia (ammonium hydroxide) is a common base, and is
an effective tarnish and stain remover. It is used to clean gold and
silver jewelry, porcelain, glass, stainless steel, brassware and a variety
of stains (blood, perspiration, red wine stains and pen markings).
Household Vinegars
Vinegar is a common household acid that is made from fermented
ethanol, acetic acid and small amounts of citric acid and tartaric acid.
There are various varieties of vinegar, including malt, wine, apple
cider, palm, date, balsamic and honey vinegar. Vinegar is commonly
used in the preparation of pickles, vinaigrettes, salad dressings and
sushi rice and flavorings. White vinegar is a common cleaning agent,
and is used to remove tough deposits from coffee makers, glass and
other smooth surfaces. It is also effective against lawn weeds.
Neutralization
As you can see from the equations, acids release H+ into solution and
bases release OH-. If we were to mix an acid and base together, the H+
ion would combine with the OH- ion to make the molecule H2O, or
plain water:
H+(aq) + OH- → H2O
(aq
)
The neutralization reaction of an acid with a base will always produce
water and a salt, as shown below:
Aci
d Base Water Salt
HCl + NaOH → H2O + NaCl
 HBr + KOH → H2O + KBr Suspensions
The pH scale The particles in suspensions are larger than those found in solutions.
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH Components of a suspension can be evenly distributed by mechanical
scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is means, like by shaking the contents but the components will
acidic. A pH greater than 7 is basic. eventually settle out.
Example: Oil and water

Colloids
Particles intermediate in size between those found in solutions and
suspensions can be mixed in such a way that they remain evenly
distributed without settling out. These particles range in size from 10-8
to 10-6 m in size and are termed colloidal particles or colloids. The
mixture they form is called a colloidal dispersion. A colloidal
dispersion consists of colloids in a dispersing medium.
Example: Milk

Other Dispersions
Liquids, solids, and gasses all may be mixed to form colloidal
dispersions.

Aerosols: Solid or liquid particles in a gas

Examples: Smoke is solid in a gas. Fog is a liquid in a gas.

Sols: Solid particles in a liquid

Example: Milk of Magnesia is a sol with solid magnesium hydroxide
in water.
Solutions
Emulsions: Liquid particles in a liquid
A solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more components. The
Example: Mayonnaise is oil in water.
dissolving agent is the solvent. The substance that is dissolved is the
solute. The components of a solution are atoms, ions, or molecules,
Gels: Liquids in solid
making them 10-9 m or smaller in diameter.
Examples: Gelatin is protein in water. Quicksand is sand in water.
Example: Sugar and water