ACIDS

Acids

A slice of pineapple, a car battery and a bee sting all contain a similar kind of  solution called acid. Acids are all around us - the food we eat and in our body also. Malic acid,  phosphoric acid, methanoic acid and citric acid are some examples of weak acids. Hydrochloric acid is known to be a strong acid which is produced in our stomach to help in digesting food and for killing bacteria. Nitric acid in another example of strong acid which is used in the manufacture of organic and inorganic nitrates. It is also very corrosive. Jewellers use the fact that acids are corrosive to test the purity of gold. The acid is added and its strength is gradually increased. Pure gold remain unmarked, cheaper metals either stain or corrode.    

  

General Properties Of Acids

Most acids, especially the strong ones, are dangerous liquids which can damage our skin also they can react with many materials including metals. So be careful while using them. Whenever by mistake an acid gets into your mouth, quickly spit it and rinse your mouth properly with plenty of water. If any acid is spilt on your parts of body or clothing wash it many times with much water.

All acids have a sour taste.

Acids turn blue litmus paper red.

Aqueous solutions of acids are good conductors of electricity. This is the reason to why sulphuric acid is used in batteries of cars, to produce energy for starting the car.

Dilute acids react with active metals for producing hydrogen gas.

Dilute acids react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide gas.

Acids react  with alkalis to form salts and water.