acid

In science, an acid is a sour-tasting substance that releases hydrogen ions when added to water. Acids will turn litmus to a red color and have a pH lower than 7.

An acid is any substance that will release hydrogen ions when mixed with water. The amount of hydrogen ions that a substance releases is measured on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the pH number is, the more hydrogen ions that are being released. Water has a pH of 7, which is neutral on the pH scale. All acids have a pH lower than 7. A pH greater than 7 indicates an alkali, or base.

Acids also have a sour taste, such as the acid found in lemons. A final quality that all acids share is that when they come into contact with litmus paper, they will turn the paper red.

Acids are all around us and are used for a wide variety of purposes. Some common acids you can find in your house include lactic acid (in milk), ascorbic acid (in citrus fruits), and acetic acid (in vinegar).

The first records of the term acid come from around 1620. It comes from the Latin word acidus meaning “sour.” Acids have a sour taste, although sometimes it is a very bad idea to put an acid in your mouth.

Several types of acids, such as the ones present in foods we commonly eat, are not only safe to eat but your body actually needs them to stay healthy. Some acids, however, are dangerous and can damage your skin if it touches it or organs if ingested. Hydrochloric acid, which is used in manufacturing, and sulfuric acid, which is used in making fertilizers, are two acids that can burn your skin, damage your organs, and lead to serious health problems with prolonged exposure. Substances like these are considered to be hazardous materials, and there are usually strict laws about handling and transporting these dangerous acids.

Your stomach uses a substance called gastric acid to digest the food you eat. It’s also able to kill many bacteria and other organisms that might be in your food or that enter your stomach. Some diseases, spicy foods, or even stress can cause your stomach acid to enter your esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux. This is why medicines that treat acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid are referred to as antacids.

Students of chemistry learn about acids early in their studies.

Just finished a super interesting chemistry lesson about acids and bases. Break time now. #education #woohoo #break

— Julian Borg (@JulianBorg10) October 1, 2020

my chemistry teacher just told us a rhyme about someone who died from drinking sulfuric acid ❤️✨ the more you know 🥰

— tara (@SANlTYLACED) May 7, 2020

• base
• pH
• hydrogen
• litmus
• citric acid
• sulfuric acid

True or False?

Acids have a pH higher than 7.