Grade 7
  1. Introduction to Chemistry  1.1. What is Chemistry?  1.2. Importance of chemistry in daily life  1.3. Branches of chemistry  1.4. Scientific Method in Chemistry  1.5. Laboratory Safety Rules and Precautions  1.6. Common Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses  1.7. Units of measurement in chemistry
  2. Matter and its properties  2.1. Definition of Matter  2.2. Classification of matter  2.3. Properties of matter  2.3.1. Physical properties  2.3.2. Chemical properties  2.4. States of matter  2.4.1. Solid state  2.4.2. Fluid state  2.4.3. Gaseous state  2.4.4. Plasma and Bose–Einstein condensates  2.5. Changes in the states of matter  2.5.1. Melting and freezing  2.5.2. Evaporation and Condensation  2.5.3. Sublimation and deposition  2.6. Density and its applications  2.7. Diffusion and its importance
  3. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures  3.1. Definition of the element  3.2. Classification of elements  3.3. Metals, Nonmetals and Metalloids  3.4. Noble gases and their properties  3.5. Introduction to the Periodic Table  3.6. Definition of Compound  3.7. Properties of Compounds  3.8. Introduction to Chemical Formulas  3.9. Definition of Mixture  3.10. Types of mixtures  3.10.1. Homogeneous mixture  3.10.2. Heterogeneous mixtures  3.11. Difference Between Compounds and Mixtures  3.12. Solutions, Colloids and Suspensions
  4. Separation of mixtures  4.1. Need for separation of mixtures  4.2. Separation methods  4.2.1. Filtration  4.2.2. Sedimentation and decantation  4.2.3. Evaporation  4.2.4. Crystallization  4.2.5. Distillation  4.2.6. Chromatography  4.2.7. Magnetic Separation  4.2.8. Centrifugation
  5. Atomic Structure  5.1. Introduction to Atoms  5.2. Structure of the atom  5.2.1. Nucleus and electron cloud  5.3. Subatomic particles  5.3.1. Proton  5.3.2. Neutron  5.3.3. Electrons  5.4. Atomic number and mass number  5.5. Isotopes and their uses  5.6. Ions and ion formation
  6. Periodic table  6.1. Introduction to the Periodic Table  6.2. Groups and periods  6.3. Trends in the Periodic Table  6.3.1. Atomic Size  6.3.2. Metallic and non-metallic character  6.3.3. Electronegativity  6.3.4. Reactivity of the elements  6.4. Alkali metals and their properties
  7. Chemical bond  7.1. Why do atoms form bonds?  7.2. Types of chemical bonds  7.2.1. Ionic bond  7.2.2. Covalent bond  7.2.3. Metal Bond  7.3. Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds  7.4. Intermolecular forces
  8. Chemical reactions  8.1. Introduction to Chemical Reactions  8.2. Signs of a chemical reaction  8.3. Types of Chemical Reactions  8.3.1. Combination Reactions  8.3.2. Decomposition reactions  8.3.3. Displacement reactions  8.3.4. Double displacement reactions  8.3.5. Combustion reactions  8.4. Law of conservation of mass  8.5. Balancing simple chemical equations
  9. Acids, Bases and Salts  9.1. Definition of Acid and Base  9.2. Properties of Acids  9.3. Properties of bases  9.4. pH Scale and Indicators  9.5. Neutralization reactions  9.6. Common Acids and Bases in Everyday Life  9.7. Preparation and use of salts  9.8. Strong and weak acids and bases
  10. Solutions and Solubility  10.1. Definition of Solution  10.2. Components of the solution  10.2.1. Solvent  10.2.2. solute  10.3. Factors Affecting Solubility  10.4. Concentration of solutions  10.5. Saturated and unsaturated solutions  10.6. Colloids and suspensions  10.7. Solubility curve and its interpretation
  11. Air and atmosphere  11.1. Composition of air  11.2. Properties of gases in the air  11.3. Importance of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide  11.4. Air pollution and its effects  11.5. Greenhouse effect and global warming  11.6. Ways to reduce air pollution  11.7. Ozone layer and its importance
  12. Water and its importance  12.1. Properties of Water  12.2. Water as the universal solvent  12.3. Importance of water for life  12.4. Water pollution and its effects  12.5. Water Purification  12.5.1. Filtration  12.5.2. boil  12.5.3. Chlorination in water purification  12.5.4. reverse osmosis  12.6. Hard and soft water  12.7. Water cycle and its importance
  13. Fuel and energy  13.1. Types of fuel  13.1.1. Fossil fuels  13.1.2. Renewable energy sources  13.2. Combustion and energy release  13.3. Global warming and its effects  13.4. Alternative sources of energy  13.5. Ways to conserve energy
  14. Metals and Nonmetals  14.1. Physical and chemical properties of metals  14.2. Physical and Chemical Properties of Non-Metals  14.3. Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals  14.4. Uses of metals and nonmetals  14.5. Corrosion of metals and its prevention  14.6. Alloys and their importance
  15. Plastics and polymers  15.1. Natural and synthetic polymers  15.2. Properties of plastics  15.3. Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable Plastics  15.4. Environmental impact of plastic  15.5. Recycling and waste management in plastics and polymers  15.6. Daily Uses of Polymers
  16. Introduction to Organic Chemistry  16.1. Basic definitions of organic chemistry  16.2. Carbon Compounds in Daily Life  16.3. Hydrocarbons  16.4. Simple functional groups (alcohols and carboxylic acids)  16.5. Importance of organic compounds in industry

Grade 7 → Acids, Bases and Salts ↓


Common Acids and Bases in Everyday Life


Acids and bases are all around us, and you use them every day, often without even knowing it. In this explanation, we'll explore some of the most common acids and bases you encounter in your daily life. Understanding these substances will help you understand more about their uses and the chemistry behind how they work.

What are acids?

Acids are substances that taste sour and can form hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water. Some general characteristics of acids are:

  • sour taste
  • Corrosiveness to metals
  • Ability to turn blue litmus paper red
      HCl (hydrochloric acid) + H2O (water) → H3O+ + Cl-

What are the bases?

Bases are substances that can accept hydrogen ions. They are usually bitter tasting and feel slippery to the touch. Some of the characteristics of bases are as follows:

  • bitter taste
  • slippery feeling
  • Ability to turn red litmus paper blue
      NaOH (sodium hydroxide) + H2O → Na+ + OH-

Common acids

Citrus fruits

Many fruits, especially citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, contain citric acid. This acid gives these fruits their characteristic sourness.

      C6H8O7 (citric acid)

Composition of citric acid:

COOH

Vinegar

Vinegar is a common household item that contains acetic acid. It is often used in cooking and cleaning due to its acidic properties.

      CH3COOH (acetic acid)

Structure of acetic acid:

CH3 COOH

Soda

Soda drinks often contain carbonic acid. This mild acid is formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, creating bubbles and making your drink fizzy.

      H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

Stomach acid

Your stomach contains hydrochloric acid, which helps digest food by breaking it into smaller parts. Despite its strong corrosiveness, your stomach lining protects you from harm.

      HCl (hydrochloric acid)

Common bases

Baking soda

Baking soda, scientifically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a weak alkali commonly used in baking, cooking, and cleaning processes.

      NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate)

Soaps and detergents

Many soaps and detergents contain sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, both of which are strong alkalis needed to break down oils and grease.

      NaOH (sodium hydroxide)
    
      KOH (potassium hydroxide)

Ammonia

Ammonia is another common base, often found in household cleaning products. Its ability to dissolve dirt and dust makes it valuable in cleaning.

      NH3 (ammonia)

Milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid. It contains magnesium hydroxide, which is a weak base that helps relieve indigestion and heartburn.

      Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide)

Interaction of acids and bases

When acids and bases react, they can neutralise each other to form water and salts, a process known as neutralisation. This reaction is fundamental in everyday chemistry.

      HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O

This equation shows that when hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed, they form table salt (NaCl) and water.

Importance in everyday life

Understanding the role of acids and bases in everyday life can make things easier and safer. Knowing how these substances react with each other and with different materials allows us to make informed choices, whether in cooking, cleaning or health care.

Home tips

  • Vinegar is used as a natural cleaner because it has antibacterial properties.
  • Baking soda is a deodorizer, stain remover, and mild abrasive.
  • Lemon juice can remove stains and odors due to its citric acid.

Health and safety

While acids and bases are useful, some can be dangerous if misused. Always handle products carefully and follow directions. For example, never mix bleach (base) with vinegar (acid) as this creates a poisonous gas.

Conclusion

Acids and bases play a vital role in our everyday activities, whether in the food we eat or the products we use for cleaning and personal care. Understanding their properties and reactions not only enhances our understanding of chemistry but also empowers us to use them responsibly and effectively. By exploring these substances, we gain valuable insights into the world of chemistry and the interactions that occur daily around us.


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Common Acids and Bases in Everyday Life

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