acids-bases-and-salts - Free Printable

Problem Overview:

The task involves understanding the definitions of acids and bases based on the Arrhenius theory. The goal is to:
1. Write your own definition of an acid and a base.
2. Compare your definitions with the scientific definitions provided in the text.
3. Identify three compounds that are acids and three compounds that are bases according to the Arrhenius theory.

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Step-by-Step Solution:

#### 1. Your Definitions (Before Reading)
- Acid: A substance that tastes sour, can corrode metals, or turns blue litmus paper red.
- Base: A substance that feels slippery, tastes bitter, or turns red litmus paper blue.

#### 2. Scientific Definitions (After Reading)
- Acid: According to the Arrhenius theory, an acid is a compound that produces hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water.
- Example: HCl → H⁺ + Cl⁻
- Base: According to the Arrhenius theory, a base is a compound that produces hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water.
- Example: NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻

#### 3. Comparison of Definitions
- Acid:
- Your Definition: A substance that tastes sour, corrodes metals, or turns blue litmus paper red.
- Scientific Definition: A compound that produces hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water.
- Comparison: While your definition focuses on observable properties (taste, effect on litmus paper), the scientific definition is more precise and based on the chemical behavior of the substance in water (production of H⁺ ions).

- Base:
- Your Definition: A substance that feels slippery, tastes bitter, or turns red litmus paper blue.
- Scientific Definition: A compound that produces hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water.
- Comparison: Similarly, your definition emphasizes observable properties (feel, taste, effect on litmus paper), while the scientific definition is based on the chemical behavior of the substance in water (production of OH⁻ ions).

#### 4. Extension: Identifying Acids and Bases
Using the Arrhenius theory, we identify compounds as acids or bases based on whether they produce H⁺ or OH⁻ ions in water.

- Acids:
1. HCl (Hydrochloric Acid): Dissolves in water to form H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
\[
\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{Cl}^-
\]
2. HNO₃ (Nitric Acid): Dissolves in water to form H⁺ and NO₃⁻ ions.
\[
\text{HNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{H}^+ + \text{NO}_3^-
\]
3. H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric Acid): Dissolves in water to form H⁺ and SO₄²⁻ ions.
\[
\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow 2\text{H}^+ + \text{SO}_4^{2-}
\]

- Bases:
1. NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide): Dissolves in water to form Na⁺ and OH⁻ ions.
\[
\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^-
\]
2. KOH (Potassium Hydroxide): Dissolves in water to form K⁺ and OH⁻ ions.
\[
\text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{K}^+ + \text{OH}^-
\]
3. Ca(OH)₂ (Calcium Hydroxide): Dissolves in water to form Ca²⁺ and OH⁻ ions.
\[
\text{Ca(OH)}_2 \rightarrow \text{Ca}^{2+} + 2\text{OH}^-
\]

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Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\text{Acids: HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄; Bases: NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)₂}
}
\]