What makes a substance an acid or a base?

Answer 1

There are a few different definitions.

One is that when you add it to water it produces H+ ions. Another definition is that it removes OH- from water.

However the most general and complete definition is that an acid is an electron pair acceptor.

A base is defined in just the opposite ways: Something that removes H+ from water; something that releases OH- in water; and finally, something that donates electron pairs.

Basically, an acid accepts hydrogen electrons and a base donates hydrogen electrons. It is measured on the pH scale, where 7 is neutral, above 7 is a base, and below 7 is an acid.

Answer 2

Dear Readers, All you have to do is test this substance by using litmas paper. If the paper turns red it is an acid, purple if it is neutral (in between) and blue if it is an alkali. If you want to make it more accurate, you need to use a universal indicator. There is a pH scale which shows whether it is a strong acid, weak acid, neutral, weak alkali or strong alkali. Here are some acids and alkalis: Acids- Bee sting, fizzy drinks, lemon juice, vinegar Alkalis- Wasp sting, toothpaste, indigestion tablet simple!!! :P :D by Annie from Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School!!!!!!!!! Hope you have learnt something new today!!!!!

Answer 3

If it has positive hydrogen ions, it's an acid. In terms of chemical formulas, if the compound starts with "H" it's an acid. Water is a bit of an exception to this, however, though under certain circumstances, water can act like an acid.

Answer 4

The level of Acidity, You can use Ph paper to figure out what liquid is a Acid or Base.

Or refer to a Ph Scale.

Answer 5

When a chemical that contains hydrogen releases it in water forming hydronium molecule (H3O+), it is term as an acid

Answer 6

a Ph <7 (less than seven)