Q.10.1 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

Indicate whether each of the following statements is characteristic of an acid, a base, or both:

a. has a sour taste

b. neutralizes bases

c. produces $H^{+}$ ions in water

d. is named barium hydroxide

e. is an electrolyte

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

a. acid

b. acid

c. acid

d. base

e. acid and base

Step 1: Given Information

An acid is any hydrogen-containing substance that is fit for giving a proton (hydrogen particle) to another substance. A base is an atom or particle ready to accept a hydrogen ion from an acid. Acidic substances are generally recognized by their sour taste, while bases are often bitter.

Step 2: Explanation Part (a)

Acids have a sour taste.

Step 3: Explanation Part (b)

 Acids neutralize bases to form ionic salts or water.

Step 4: Explanation Part (c)

Acids produce $H^{+}$in water.

Example- $\mathrm{HCl}\stackrel{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}}{⟶}{\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}$

Step 5: Explanation Part (d)

Barium hydroxide is a base as it produces an $O{H}^{-}$ion in water.

$\mathrm{Ba}(\mathrm{OH}{)}_2\stackrel{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}}{⟶}{\mathrm{Ba}}^{+}+2{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$

Step 6: Explanation Part (e)

Acids and bases are both electrolytes as their aqueous solution conducts electricity.