Acids and Bases

By the end of this chapter you should be able to:

• Define the terms 'acid', 'base' and 'alkali'.

• Name and write the chemical formulae of three common laboratory acids.

• Use a range of indicators to classify substances as acid, alkali or neutral.

• Classify acids and alkalis as chemicals with distinct properties and uses.

• Use the pH scale to compare the acidity and alkalinity of different solutions.

• Name and write the formulae for various metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.

• Describe neutralisation reactions.

• Identify the products of neutralisation reactions.

• Write word and symbol equations for a range of reactions involving acids and bases.

• Describe some everyday uses of acids, alkali and neutralisation.