Chemistry: Properties of Acids and Bases
Properties of Acids and Bases
It's frequently possible to tell acids and bases apart from one another by some of their easily observed chemical and physical properties. A table of these properties is shown here:
| Property | Acid | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Sour (vinegar) | Bitter (baking soda) |
| Smell | Frequently burns nose | Usually no smell (except NH3!) |
| Texture | Sticky | Slippery |
| Reactivity | Frequently react with metals to form H2 | React with many oils and fats |
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chemistry © 2003 by Ian Guch. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book direct from the publisher, visit the Penguin USA website or call 1-800-253-6476. You can also purchase this book at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.
See also:
