Give reasons for your answers [1] Water [2] sodium hydroxide solution [3]Distilled Water [4]Dilute hydrochloric acid [5]Rain Water [6]Lime juice
Sure! Here are some reasons why the mentioned substances can be categorized as acids or bases:
1. Water: Water is a neutral substance since it has an equal number of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in a balanced state. It has a pH of 7, which is neutral on the pH scale.
2. Sodium hydroxide solution: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base. It completely dissociates into hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. This solution is highly alkaline and has a high pH value, typically above 11.
3. Distilled water: Similar to regular water, distilled water is also neutral with a pH of around 7. It does not have any acidic or basic properties unless other substances are added to it.
4. Dilute hydrochloric acid: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid. When it is diluted with water, it produces a corrosive solution with a low pH level below 7. Dilute hydrochloric acid is commonly used in laboratories and industries for various purposes.
5. Rainwater: Rainwater is mildly acidic due to natural factors like atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants. When CO2 dissolves in rainwater, it forms carbonic acid, decreasing the pH slightly below 7. However, the exact acidity of rainwater can vary depending on local environmental conditions.
6. Lime juice: Lime juice is acidic due to the presence of citric acid. Citric acid, found naturally in citric fruits like limes, lemons, and oranges, gives these juices their tangy taste. Lime juice has a low pH value, typically around 2-3.
To determine the acidic or basic nature of a substance, the pH scale is used. pH values ranging from 0 to 6 indicate acidity, 7 is neutral, and values from 8 to 14 represent basicity. pH can be measured using pH paper, pH meters, or indicators. Additionally, the chemical properties of the substance and its behavior when mixed with other substances help determine its acidic or basic nature.