Grade 7

Grade 7Acids, Bases and Salts


Properties of bases


In chemistry, a base is a substance that can accept a hydrogen ion (proton) or, more commonly, donate a pair of valence electrons. Bases can be found in various forms, such as solids, liquids, and gases. Understanding the properties of bases is an important aspect of chemistry that helps us understand how substances react with each other.

Understanding pH and bases

The pH scale is a way to measure how acidic or alkaline a solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is considered neutral. A pH less than 7 indicates acidity, while a pH greater than 7 indicates alkali. Bases have the ability to neutralize acids. Here's a simple representation:

Acid < 7 < Neutral < 7 < Base
    

Visual example

0 Acid 3-6 7 Neutral 8-10 11 Base

General properties of bases

Bases have several special properties that make them unique. Here we will discuss several important properties of bases:

Taste

One of the most common properties of bases is their bitter taste. However, it is important not to taste bases in a laboratory setting because they can be harmful. Many everyday items, such as baking soda (used in cooking), have a slightly bitter taste, which is a characteristic of bases.

Slippery feel

Alkalis often feel soapy or slippery to the touch. This is because alkalis react with fatty acids on our skin to form soap. This property is useful in cleaning products. For example, soaps and detergents are basic compounds that can dissolve oil and grease.

Impact on indicators

Indicators are substances that change color in the presence of an acid or base. Bases usually turn red litmus paper blue. This change in color helps to identify the presence of base. Here's what happens with common indicators:

  • Red litmus paper turns blue.
  • Phenolphthalein turns pink in alkaline solution.
  • Methyl orange turns yellow under basic conditions.

Chemical reactivity of bases

Bases react with acids in a process called neutralization. When acids and bases react, they form salt and water. Here is a general equation for neutralization:

    Acid + Base → Salt + Water
    

For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H 2 O) are formed:

    HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H 2 O
    

This reaction is exothermic, that is, it releases heat energy.

Types of bases

Bases are mainly classified into two types: strong bases and weak bases.

Strong base

Strong bases are substances that dissociate completely in water to release hydroxide ions (OH -). Here are some examples:

  • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
  • Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
  • Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2)

Weak base

Weak bases do not completely dissociate in water and therefore do not release hydroxide ions effectively. Some common weak bases include:

  • Ammonia (NH 3)
  • Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO 3)

Applications of bases

Bases are widely used in various industries and daily applications. Here are some examples:

Cleaning products

Many cleaning products are basic in nature. They are effective at breaking down grease and oil, making them excellent for household cleaning tasks.

Cooking and baking

Baking soda, a weak base, is used as a leavening agent in cooking. It reacts with the acidic components in the batter to release carbon dioxide gas, which helps the dough and batter to rise.

Medicine

Bases are used in medicines to reduce symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Antacids, which are bases, work by neutralizing excess acid in the stomach.

Security and operation of bases

Although bases have many useful applications, they can also be dangerous if not handled properly. It is important to follow safety guidelines to avoid harm:

  • Always wear gloves and safety glasses when working on solid grounds.
  • Avoid swallowing or inhaling alkalis, as they can be corrosive.
  • In case of skin contact, wash affected area with plenty of water.

Conclusion

Understanding the properties of bases provides valuable information about their behavior and their use in various fields. From their bitter taste to their chemical reactivity, bases are an integral part of both the natural world and man-made products. It is important to recognize both their benefits and hazards in order to use them safely and effectively in various applications.


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