Question

What are some examples of acids?

Answer 1

An acid can be defined as a chemical which releases hydrogen ions in water thereby forming salts by integrating with specific metals. pH scale can be used to measure acidity. On pH scale, the value of 7 is considered to be neutral, whereas, a value from 7 to 0 indicates increasing acidity.

Complete step by step answer:
The properties of acids are stated below:

1. Acids react with the active metals and yield hydrogen gas. An example is shown below:
   $Zn(s) + {H_2}S{O_4}(aq) \to ZnS{O_4}(aq) + {H_2}(g)$
2. When an acid reacts with a base, they have the tendency to form a salt. An example is shown below:
   $NaOH + HCl \to NaCl + {H_2}O$
3. Acids have the tendency to change the colour of specific acid-base indicators. Most common indicators include litmus paper and phenolphthalein. Example: Blue litmus paper turns into red colour in the presence of an acid, whereas phenolphthalein turns colourless.
4. Acids possess a sour taste. Examples: Lemons containing citric acid, vinegar containing acetic acid
5. Aqueous solutions of acids are considered to be electrolytes, as they conduct an electrical current.
   Other examples of acids along-with their uses are also listed in the table given below:

S.No.	Name of acid	Uses
1.	Hydrochloric acid $HCl$	(i) refining of the metals, (ii) maintenance of swimming pools, (iii) household cleaning.
2.	Sulphuric acid ${H_2}S{O_4}$	(i) car batteries, (ii) manufacture of fertilizers
3.	Nitric acid $HN{O_3}$	(i) manufacturing of fertilizers, explosives, (ii) extraction of gold.
4.	Acetic acid $C{H_3}COOH$	Main ingredient in the vinegar
5.	Carbonic acid ${H_2}C{O_3}$	ingredient in the carbonated drinks
6.	Citric acid ${C_6}{H_8}{O_7}$	(i) food and dietary supplements, (ii) an acidulant in creams, liquids, gels, and lotions.
7.	Acetylsalicylic acid ${C_6}{H_4}\left( {OCOC{H_3}} \right)C{O_2}H$	active ingredient in the aspirin

Note: There are certain factors that influence acidity of compounds which are: (i) Electronegativity: Acidity goes on increasing as you move from left to right in a periodic chart. (ii) Anion size: Acidity goes on increasing as you move from top to down in a periodic chart. (iii) Resonance: Anions having resonance structures are more acidic in comparison to anions which don't have.