1. Acids, Bases
and the pH scale

2. pH scale
pH stands for “potential of Hydrogen”
The pH scale is a range of values from 0-14 that
express the concentration of hydrogen ions in a
solution.
The more hydrogen ions, the lower the number
on the pH scale.

3. Acids & Bases on the pH scale
Acids range from 0-6.9
Acids have the most amount of hydrogen ions.
Bases range from 7.1-14
Bases have the least amount of hydrogen ions.
7 on the scale is pH neutral (neither an acid nor
a base)

4. Acids
An Acid is a chemical compound, that, when
dissolved in water has a pH of less than 7.
Acids taste sour, react with metals and
carbonates and will turn blue litmus paper red.
Acids are corrosive- they eat away at other
materials, especially metals.
Acids contain Hydrogen ions (H+)

5. Bases
Bases are chemical compounds that, when
dissolved in water, have a pH of above 7.
Bases taste bitter, feel slippery and turn red
litmus paper blue.
Bases are corrosive- they also eat away materials
(Acids are NOT the only dangerous substances
on the pH scale!!)
Bases contain Hydroxide ions (OH-)

6. Uses for Acids:
Acids are naturally in many of the foods we
eat :Tomatoes, lemons, oranges, and even leafy
green veggies!
Acids are also used in many fertilizers.
Acids can also be found in most batteries

7. Uses for Bases
Cement is made using bases
Many cleaning solutions used in the home are
bases (drain cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, soap)
Bases can also be found in baked goods such as
breads, cakes, and cookies!

8. Neutralizing Acids & Bases
The reaction between acids and bases is a called
neutralization.
The neutralization of acids and bases depends on
the identities, volumes and concentrations of the
reactants.
Salt and water will form as a result of acids and
bases neutralizing completely.

10. Who likes sour candy????