What is an acid?
Acid is any chemical compound that releases or yields hydrogen ions (H +) in aqueous solution.
There are three theories that define what an acid is:
- Arrhenius theory: an acid is a substance that when dissolved in water, increases its concentration of hydronium cation (H 3 O +). Brønsted-Lowry theory: an acid is a substance capable of releasing protons. Lewis theory: an acid is a substance that receives two electrons.
Acid derives from the Latin acidus , which means "that hurts the sense of taste."
See also Base.
Types of acids
Acids are classified into two main groups according to their ionization capacity:
Strong acids
They are those compounds capable of releasing hydrogen ions (H +) with ease in a solution. They are characterized by being highly corrosive, they dissociate completely in an aqueous solution and have the ability to conduct electrical energy efficiently.
Examples of strong acids are hydrochloric acid (HCI) and hydrobromic acid (HBr).
Weak acids
They are chemical compounds that do not release hydrogen ions (H +) in great quantity. They are characterized by being less corrosive and do not fully dissociate in an aqueous solution.
Examples of weak acids are hypobromous acid (HBrO) and carbonic acid (H 2 CO 3).
Characteristics of acids
- They are conductors of electrical energy: that is, this type of energy flows easily through their ions. When reacting with metals they generate hydrogen (H) and salt. When reacting with bases or with metallic oxides they generate water (H 2 O) and Salt. They are corrosive to skin contact: for example, hydrochloric acid (HCl), known as muriatic acid, can cause tissue destruction, making it considered a material for controlled use. They are soluble in water: that is, they dissociate or dissolve in water easily. Its pH level is less than 7: pH measures the concentration of ions (H +) in a solution. At lower pH, greater acidity.
See also pH.
Examples of acids
- Nitric Acid (HNO 3): Used to make fertilizers and as a reagent for laboratory analysis. Phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4): it is one of the components of dental restorative materials and soft drinks. Oxalic acid (H 2 C 2 O 4): it is present in floor cleaning products, wood and to remove oxide. Acetic acid (CH 3 COOH): it is present in vinegar, and it is also used as a base for textiles such as rayon and nylon.
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