Similarity Between Acids And Bases

By now we are aware of the fact that acids and bases are two things that very different from each other. But did you know there is some similarity between acids and bases? What are those similarities? And what will happen if you combine acid and bases together? Let’s find out more.

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Similarities between Acids and Bases.

The following are the similarities between the two:

• Most strong acids and bases are both corrosive in nature. They tend to corrode or rust metals.
• Both, acids and bases change the colour of litmus paper. An acid changes the colour of a blue litmus paper to red and a base changes the colour of red litmus paper to blue.
• Strong acids can damage the skin causing severe burns if it gets into contact with the skin. But did you know, even strong bases can do the same?
• A lot of common things that are used in day-to-day basis are acids and bases. For e.g. Citric fruits such as lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc contain citric acid and tamarind, grapes, etc contain tartaric acid, olive oil contains oleic acid and vinegar contains acetic acid. Many soaps, toothpaste, etc have bases in them. Baking soda is also basic in nature.
• Both are classified on the basis of strength, concentration and their respective basicity and acidity. Acids are also classified on the basis of source and the presence of oxygen.
• Acids and bases both react with water and a lot of acids and bases are soluble in nature.
• Both acids and bases are electrolytes which means that they’re good conductors of electricity.
• Acids and bases both produce ions in water solution. Acids release hydrogen ions (H⁺) whereas Bases release hydroxide ions (OH^–).
• The process of mixing acid or a base in water is an exothermic one that releases some amount of heat.

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 Neutralization

Have you wondered what would happen if we mixed an acid with a base? Such contrasting materials when mixed together, it must make you curious. Actually, when acids and bases are mixed together they both lose their respective properties. Acids and Bases neutralize and form salt and water. This process is known as Neutralization.

Acid + Base (alkali) → Salt + Water

An example of the neutralization reaction is as shown below with the reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to give sodium chloride and water.

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

Browse more Topics under Acids Bases And Salts

• Introduction to Acids
• Introduction to Bases
• Chemical Properties of Acids and Bases
• pH
• More about Salts

Solved Examples For You

Q: What will happen if you mix an acid or a base in water?

Ans: The process of dissolving an acid or a base is a highly exothermic one. One should carefully mix concentrated nitric acid or sulphuric acid with water or H₂O. The acid must be added gradually and slowly to the water solution and with constant stirring of the solution. The acid shouldn’t be added directly or rapidly to the water solution as it may cause the solution to heat up and splash out which will cause burns to the person performing the experiment. Excessive heat might may also break the glass container. Mixing an acid or a base in water will reduce the number of ions which will decrease the concentration of the acid or base per unit volume. This process is known as dilution where the acid or base is diluted.

Q: On the basis of acidity of bases barium hydroxide is what type of base?

Ans: As we know that acidity of a base is equal to the number of hydroxyl ions it has. Thus barium hydroxide Ba(OH)₂ having two hydroxyl group is a dibasic base.