CLASS 10 NOTES

SCIENCE
Acids, Bases and Salts
PRASHANT KIRAD
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Acids and Bases

Acids Bases

Sour in taste, Derived from Greek word

Bitter in taste.
“Acidus”.

Changes blue litmus into red. Changes red litmus into blue.

e.g. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH),

e.g. Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulfuric acid,
Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Calcium
Nitric acid, Acetic acid, etc.
Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide, etc.

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Acid-Base Indicators:
Natural indicators like litmus, turmeric, red cabbage leaves, and colored petals from
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flowers like Hydrangea, Petunia, and Geranium can show acidity or alkalinity. On the
other hand, synthetic indicators such as methyl orange and phenolphthalein are also
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used for the same purpose.

Red litmus solution Blue litmus solution Phenolphthalein solution Methyl Orange Solution
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Acid - No change Acid - Red Acid - Colorless Acid - Red

Base - Blue Base - No Change Base - Pink Base - Yellow
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Some naturally occurring acids:

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- Prashant Bhaiya
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What Is an Acid and a Base?

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Ionizable and Non-Ionizable Compounds
An ionizable compound, when in water or molten form, breaks down into ions almost
completely. Examples include NaCl, HCl, KOH, and others. In contrast, a non-
ionizable compound does not separate into ions when dissolved in water or in its
molten state. Examples of such compounds are glucose and acetone.
Acids and Bases
An acid is a substance that contains hydrogen and can donate a proton (hydrogen
ion) to another substance. On the other hand, a base is a molecule or ion capable of
accepting a hydrogen ion from an acid. Typically, acidic substances are recognized
by their sour taste.
Arrhenius’ Theory of Acids and Bases

An Arrhenius acid is a substance that, An Arrhenius base is a substance that,

when dissolved in water, breaks apart to when dissolved in water, dissociates to

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yield H+ (aq) or H3O+ ions. produce OH− ions.

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Acids Bases
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
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Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Nitric acid (HNO3) Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]
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Bronsted Lowry Theory

A Bronsted acid is an H+ (aq) ion donor.
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A Bronsted base is an H+ (aq) ion acceptor.

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Examples:
In the reaction: HCl (aq) + NH3 (aq) → NH+4(aq) + Cl− (aq)
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JOSH METER?
HCl – Bronsted acid and Cl− : its conjugate acid
NH3 – Bronsted base and NH+4 : its conjugate acid

Potential physical tests for identifying an acid or a base are:

Taste
Acids typically have a sour taste, while bases often taste bitter. However, relying on
taste to identify acids or bases is not recommended due to the risk of contamination
or corrosiveness.
For instance, substances like curd, lemon juice, orange juice, and vinegar exhibit a sour
taste because they contain acids. On the other hand, baking soda, despite having a
somewhat sour taste, serves as an example of a base. It is essential to use proper
testing methods rather than relying on taste alone.

Effect on Indicators by Acids and Bases

An indicator is a chemical substance that exhibits a change in its physical properties,
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particularly in color or odor, upon contact with an acid or a base.

Common indicators and the colors they display are as follows:

a) Litmus: Litmus is provided in paper strip forms as red litmus and blue litmus.
Neutral solution – purple Acid transforms moist blue litmus paper to red.
Acidic solution – red Base transforms moist red litmus paper to blue.
Basic solution – blue

b) Methyl Orange:
Neutral solution – orange
Acidic solution – red
Basic solution – yellow

c) Phenolphthalein:
Neutral solution – colorless
Acidic solution – remains colorless
Basic solution – exhibits a pink color.
EMA

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Acid-Base Reactions

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When acid and bases react with metals:
Acids, in general, react with metals to produce salt and hydrogen gas. Bases, in
general, do not react with metals and do not produce hydrogen gas.
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Acid + active metal → salt + hydrogen + heat
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2HCl + Mg → MgCl2 + H2 (↑)

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Base + metal → salt + hydrogen + heat

2NaOH + Zn → Na2ZnO2 + H2 (↑)
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A more reactive metal displaces the less reactive metal from its base.
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2Na + Mg (OH) 2 → 2NaOH + Mg

When acid react with Metal Carbonates and Bicarbonates:
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When acids engage with metal carbonates or bicarbonates, the resulting reaction
generates carbon dioxide, metal salts, and water. For example, the reaction between
hydrochloric acid and sodium carbonate produces sodium chloride, carbon dioxide, and
water. Notably, if the evolved carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, it causes
the lime water to exhibit a milky appearance.
Acid + metal carbonate or bicarbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide.

2HCl + CaCO3 → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2

H2SO4 + Mg (HCO3)2 → MgSO4 + 2H2O + 2CO2

Effervescence indicates the liberation of CO2 gas.
When acid and Base react with each other:
A neutralization reaction takes place when an acid interacts with a base, resulting in
the formation of salt and water as the final products. In this conventional approach, an
acid- base neutralization reaction is expressed as a double-replacement reaction.

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

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1.Metal Oxides and Hydroxides with Acids:
Metal oxides or metal hydroxides exhibit basic properties.
Acid + Base → Salt + Water + Heat
H2SO4 + MgO → MgSO4 + H2O
2HCl + Mg (OH) 2 → MgCl2 + 2H2O
2.Non-Metal Oxides with Bases:
Non-metal oxides demonstrate acidic properties.
Base + Nonmetal Oxide → Salt + Water + Heat
2NaOH + CO2→ Na2CO3 + H2O
Reaction of acids and base
A very common acid is hydrochloric acid. The reaction between strong acid, says
hydrochloric acid and strong base say sodium hydroxide, forms salt and water. The
complete chemical equation is shown below.
HCl (strong acid) + NaOH (strong base) → NaCl (salt) + H2O (water)

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Acids and Bases in water

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When added to water, acids and bases dissociate into their respective ions and help
in conducting electricity.
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Acids:
Ionization: When an acid is dissolved in water, it ionizes to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺).
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These hydrogen ions combine with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H₃O⁺).
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H⁺ + H₂O → H₃O⁺
Bases:
Dissociation: When a base is dissolved in water, it dissociates to produce hydroxide
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ions (OH⁻).
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Heat
NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻
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Bases which are soluble in water

are called alkalis. All bases do not
dissolve in water. They are soapy to
touch, bitter and corrosive.

What are alkali?

Dilution:
Dilution involves decreasing the concentration of a solution by incorporating additional
solvent, typically water. This process is highly exothermic. When diluting acid, it is
essential to add the acid to water and not vice versa.

Strength of Acids and Bases:

Strong Acid or Base: In the case of a strong acid or base, every molecule in a given
quantity undergoes complete dissociation in water, resulting in the formation of their
respective ions (H+(aq) for acids and OH−(aq) for bases).
Weak Acid or Base: Contrastingly, with weak acids or bases, only a few molecules from
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a given amount undergo partial dissociation in water, producing their respective ions
(H+(aq) for acids and OH−(aq) for bases).

Dilute acid: contains less number of H+(aq) ions per unit volume.
Concentrated acid: contains more number of H+(aq) ions per unit volume.

Q. What is a universal indicator?

A universal indicator is a mixture of several pH
indicators that shows a gradual color change over a
wide range of pH values (typically from pH 1 to 14),
allowing it to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a “pH scale topic is
solution. It provides a different color for each pH important”
value, making it useful for estimating the pH of a - Prashant Bhaiya
solution more accurately than
using a single indicator.

pH Scale:

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The pH scale, developed for measuring hydrogen ion concentration in a solution,

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derives the "p" from the German term 'potenz,' meaning power.
On the pH scale, readings range generally from 0 (indicating strong acidity) to 14
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(indicating strong alkalinity).
pH is a numerical representation of the acidic or basic nature of a solution.
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A lower pH value corresponds to a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

A neutral solution has a pH of 7.
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Values below 7 on the pH scale represent an acidic solution.

As the pH value increases from 7 to 14, it signifies a rise in the concentration of
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OH− ions, indicating an increase in the strength of the alkali.

The pH scale is often measured using paper impregnated with a universal indicator.
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Importance of pH in everyday life:

Our body works within the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8.
When pH of rainwater is less than 5.6, it is called acid rain.
When acid rain flows into the rivers, it lowers the pH of the river water. The
survival of aquatic life in such rivers becomes difficult.
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pH in our digestive system:

It's fascinating to observe that our stomach
naturally produces hydrochloric acid, aiding in
the digestion of food without causing harm to
the stomach lining. However, in instances of
indigestion, an excess of stomach acid can lead
to discomfort and irritation. To alleviate this
pain, individuals often turn to bases known as
antacids. These antacids work by neutralizing
the surplus acid. Magnesium hydroxide,
commonly known as Milk of Magnesia, is a mild
base frequently employed for this purpose.
pH change as the cause of tooth decay:
Tooth decay starts when the pH of the mouth is lower than 5.5.
Tooth enamel, made up of calcium hydroxyapatite (a crystalline
form of calcium phosphate) is the hardest substance in the body.
Bacteria present in the mouth produce acids by degradation of

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sugar and food particles remaining in the mouth after eating.
The best way to prevent this is to clean the mouth after eating

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food.
Using toothpaste, which is generally basic, for cleaning the teeth
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can neutralize the excess acid and prevent tooth decay.

Self-defense by animals and plants through chemical warfare:

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Bee-sting leaves an acid that causes pain and irritation. The use of a mild base like
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baking soda on the stung area gives relief. Stinging hair of nettle leaves injects
methanoic acid causing burning pain.
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Manufacture of Acids and Bases

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a) Nonmetal oxide + water → acid

SO2(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO3(aq)
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SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)

Non-metal oxides are thus JOSH METER?

referred to as acid anhydrides.

b) Metal + water → base or alkali + hydrogen

Zn(s) + H2O(steam) → ZnO(s)+ H2(g) c) Hydrogen + halogen → acid
H2(g) + Cl2(g) → 2HCl(g)
d) Few metallic oxides + water → alkali HCl(g) + H2O(l) → HCl(aq)
Na2O(s) + H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq)

e) Ammonia + water → ammonium hydroxide

NH3(g) + H2O(l) → NH4OH(aq)
f) Metallic salt + conc. sulphuric acid → salt + more volatile acid
2NaCl(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → Na2SO4(aq) + 2HCl(aq)
2KNO3(aq) + H2SO4(aq) → K2SO4(aq) + 2HNO3(aq)
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Salts
Salt is formed through the combination of an anion derived from an acid and a cation
derived from a base.
Examples of salts include KCl, NaNO3, CaSO4, and others.
Typically, salts are produced through the neutralization reaction between an acid and a
base.
Commonly known as common salt, Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is extensively utilized globally
in cooking.
Salts sharing the same cation or anion are considered part of the same salt family.
Examples include NaCl, KCl, LiCl.

pH of Salts:
Salts of a strong acid and a strong base are neutral with a pH value of 7.
Salts of a strong acid and weak base are acidic with a pH value of less than 7.
Those of a strong base and weak acid are basic in nature with a pH value of more than
7.

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Chemicals From Common Salt

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The salt formed by the combination of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide
solution is called sodium chloride (NaCl)/Common Salt.
The common salt thus obtained is an important raw material for various materials of
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daily use, such as sodium hydroxide, baking soda, washing soda, bleaching powder, and
many more.
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Sodium hydroxide or lye or caustic soda

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Baking soda or sodium hydrogen carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate

Washing soda or sodium carbonate decahydrate
Bleaching powder or calcium hypochlorite
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1.Sodium Hydroxide
When electricity is passed through salty water (brine), it breaks down to make sodium
hydroxide. This process is called the chlor-alkali process because it produces chlorine
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and alkali (sodium hydroxide).

2NaCl (aq) + 2H2O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + Cl2 (g) + H2 (g)
At one end (anode), chlorine gas is released, and at the other end (cathode), hydrogen
gas is given off. Close to the cathode, we get a solution of sodium hydroxide.
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2.Bleaching Powder
Chlorine gas is utilized in the manufacturing process of bleaching powder.
The production of bleaching powder involves the interaction of chlorine with dry
slaked lime [Ca(OH)2].
While bleaching powder is often represented as CaOCl2, its actual composition is more
complex.
Ca(OH)2 + Cl2 → CaOCl2 + H2O.

Bleaching powder is used –

for bleaching cotton and linen in the textile industry, for bleaching wood pulp in
paper factories, and for bleaching washed clothes in laundry;
as an oxidizing agent in many chemical industries; and
to make drinking water free from germs.

3.Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda or
bicarbonate of soda, has the chemical formula NaHCO3
and is recognized by the IUPAC name sodium hydrogen

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carbonate. This salt is created by the combination of a

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sodium cation (Na+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3).
Found as a fine powder, sodium bicarbonate is a white,
crystalline substance. Its taste is mildly salty and
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alkaline, resembling that of washing soda (sodium
carbonate).
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Chemical name – Sodium hydrogen carbonate

Chemical formula – NaHCO3
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4.Water of Crystallization
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The water of crystallization is the fixed number of water molecules present in one
formula unit of salt. Five water molecules are present in one formula unit of copper
sulphate. The chemical formula for hydrated copper sulphate is CuSO4.5H2O.
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5.Plaster of Paris
On heating gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) at 373 K, it loses water molecules and
becomes calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO4.1/2H2O). This is called Plaster of
Paris.

Uses of Plaster of Paris:

It is employed by medical professionals to create casts for maintaining fractured
bones in the correct position.
In the realm of creativity, Plaster of Paris is utilized for crafting toys, decorative
items, and achieving smooth surfaces.
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Important activities

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Take a few zinc granules in a boiling tube and add approximately 5 mL of dilute

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sulphuric acid to it.
Observe the formation of gas bubbles on the surface of the zinc granules. Direct
the gas being produced through a soap solution in a trough using a glass delivery
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tube. This results in the formation of gas-filled bubbles in the soap solution that
rise into the air.
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Bring a burning candle close to a gas-filled soap bubble. The gas within the soap
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bubble ignites with a 'pop' sound, indicating a small explosion.

This demonstration confirms that only hydrogen gas, which has the characteristic
'pop' sound when ignited, is evolved in the reaction between dilute sulphuric acid
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and zinc metal (present in the form of zinc granules).

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Take a boiling tube and place approximately 0.5 g of sodium carbonate in it.
Add about 2 mL of dilute hydrochloric acid to the boiling tube using a thistle
funnel.
Observe the brisk effervescence of a gas being produced.
Pass the gas generated through lime water. Notice that the lime water turns milky,
indicating the presence of carbon dioxide gas.
Continue passing carbon dioxide gas through the milky lime water for some time.
Eventually, the lime water becomes clear again.
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This demonstrates that the initially formed white precipitate of calcium carbonate
dissolves when excess carbon dioxide gas is passed.
Repeat the experiment using sodium hydrogen carbonate instead of sodium
carbonate. Again, carbon dioxide gas is produced, turning the lime water milky.
Upon passing an excess of carbon dioxide, the milky lime water once again becomes
clear.

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Place 1 g of solid sodium chloride (NaCl) in a clean, dry boiling tube.
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Carefully add concentrated sulfuric acid, fitting the rubber cone over the glass
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tube.
The reaction forms hydrogen chloride gas, observed escaping from the open end.
Test the gas with a 'dry' blue litmus paper, noting no change in color, indicating HCl
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gas doesn't act as an acid in the absence of water.

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Test the gas with a 'moist' blue litmus paper, observing a color change to red,
revealing acidic behavior of HCl gas in the presence of water.
Conclusion: HCl gas is not acidic in the absence of water but displays acidic
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behavior in the presence of water.

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# TOP 7
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
1) A dry pellet of a common base B absorbs moisture and turns sticky when kept open.
The compound is also a by-product of the chlor-alkali process. Identify B. What type of
reaction occurs when B is treated with an acidic oxide? Write a balanced chemical
equation for one such solution.

Solution:

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a commonly used base and is hygroscopic; it absorbs

moisture from the atmosphere and becomes sticky. A neutralization reaction occurs
when acidic oxides react with the base to give salt and water.

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2 NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2O

2) Give reasons for the following:

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(i) Only one-half of the water molecule is shown in the formula of the plaster of Paris.
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(ii) Sodium hydrogen carbonate is used as an antacid.
(iii) On strong heating, blue-colored copper sulfate crystals turn white. (2020)
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Solution:

(i) Only one-half of the water molecule is shown in the formula of plaster of Paris
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(CaSO4. 1/2H2O) as one molecule of water is being shared by two molecules of calcium
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sulphate (CaSO4). So the effective water of crystallization for one CaSO4 unit comes
to half a molecule of water.
(ii) Acidity can be neutralized by a base. Sodium hydrogen carbonate can be used as an
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antacid solution because it is a weak base and will react with excess acid produced in
the stomach due to hyperacidity and will neutralize it.
(iii) Blue colored copper sulphate crystals are hydrated copper sulphate, CuSO4.5H2O.
On heating blue copper sulphate crystals lose their water of crystallization and turn
into anhydrous copper sulphate which is white.
Heat
CuSO4 . 5H2O → CuSO4 + 5H2O
(Blue) (White)

3) A white powder is added while baking cakes to make them soft and spongy. Name
its main ingredients. Explain the function of each ingredient. Write the chemical
reaction taking place when the powder is heated during baking. (AI2019)

Solution:

The white powder added while baking cakes to make them soft and spongy is baking
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powder. Its main ingredients are sodium hydrogen carbonate and a mild edible acid like
tartaric acid or citric acid. NaHCO3 decomposes to give out CO2 which causes the cake
to rise and makes it soft and spongy. The function of tartaric acid or citric acid is to
neutralize sodium carbonate formed during heating which can otherwise make the cake
bitter. The reaction taking place when the powder is heated:
Heat
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2

4) The pH of a salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is 14. Identify the salt and
write a chemical equation for its formation. List its two uses. (2018)

Solution:
Salt used to make tasty and crispy pakoras is sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), pH = 9. On
a large scale, sodium bicarbonate is prepared as:

NaCl + H2O + CO2 + NH3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3

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(Sodium Chloride) (Water) (Carbon Dioxide) (Ammonia) (Ammonium Chloride) (Sodium Bicarbonate)

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5) A white-colored powder is used by doctors to support fractured bones.
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(a)Write the chemical name and formula of the powder.
(b)When this white powder is mixed with water a hard solid mass is obtained. Write
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the balanced chemical equation for this change. (Board Term I, 2016)
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Solution:
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(a) Chemical name of the powder is calcium sulphate hemihydrate. The chemical formula
of the powder is CaSO4.1/2H2O.
(b) When water is added to the plaster of Paris, it sets into a hard mass in about half an
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hour. The setting of the plaster of Paris is due to its hydration to form crystals of
gypsum which set to form a hard, solid mass.
1 1
CaSO4. H2O + 1 H2O → CaSO4 . 2H2O
2 2
(Plaster of Paris) (Water) Gypsum
(Sets as Hard mass)

6) 6) List the important products of the Chlor-alkali process. Write one important use
of each. (2020)
Solution:

Sodium hydroxide is prepared by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride

(brine). The complete reaction can be represented as:
The process of electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is called chlor-alkali process
because of the products formed : chlor for chlorine and alkali for sodium hydroxide. The
three very useful products obtained by the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution are
sodium hydroxide, chlorine and hydrogen.
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On passing
2NaCl (aq) + 2H2O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + H2 (g) + Cl2 (g)
Electricity

At anode: Cl2 gas is liberated and at cathode: H2 gas is liberated.

Uses of sodium hydroxide: In the manufacture of soaps and detergents.

Uses of chlorine: As a germicide and disinfectant for sterilization of drinking water and
for water of swimming pools.
Uses of hydrogen: In the manufacture of ammonia which is used for the preparation of
various fertilizers like urea, ammonium sulphate, etc.
7) How is washing soda prepared from sodium carbonate? Give its chemical equation.
State the type of this salt. Name the type of hardness of water which can be
removed by it. (2020)

Solution:
Washing soda is prepared by recrystallization of sodium carbonate:

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NA2CO3 (s) + 10H2O (l) → NA2CO3 . 10H2O (s)

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Anhydrous Washing Soda
Sodium Carbonate
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It is used to remove the permanent hardness of water. Hard water is treated with a
calculated amount of washing soda when chlorides and sulfates of calcium and magnesium
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present in hard water get precipitated as insoluble calcium and magnesium carbonates
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which can be easily filtered off. The water thus becomes soft.
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CaCl2 + Na2CO3 → CaCO3↓ + 2NaCl

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MgSO4 + Na2CO3 → MgCO3↓ + Na2SO4

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“Class 10th Phodenge”