Question

Write the main difference between acid and a base. With the help of suitable examples, explain the terms neutralization and the formation of
i.Acidic
ii.Basic
iii.Neutral salts

Answer 1

Bases can be thought of as a chemical opposite of acids. An acid is a substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution when dissolved in water. These ${H^ + }$ ions form the hydronium ion $\,{H_3}{O^ + }$ when they combine with water molecules.

Complete step by step answer:

Basis	Acid	Base
Arrhenius concept	An acid is a substance that produces ${H^ + }$ ions as the only positive ions when mixed with water.	A base is a substance that produces hydroxyl $O{H^ - }$ Ions as the only negative ions when mixed with water.
Bronsted-Lowry concept	An acid releases a proton for another species.	A base can accept a proton.
Lewis concept	An acid can accept an electron pair.	A base can donate an electron pair.
Strength	Based on the concentration of hydrogen ions.	Based on the concentration of hydroxyl ions.
pH value	Less than Seven	Greater than seven
Litmus test	Turn blue litmus red	Turn red litmus blue
Reaction with metal	React with metals to release hydrogen gas	Do not react with metals

A neutralization reaction is when an acid and a base react to form water and salt and it involves a combination of hydrogen and hydroxyl ions to generate water. The neutralization of a strong acid and a strong base has a pH equal to $7$.
i.Acidic salts form from the neutralization of a strong acid and a weak base.
Example: $N{H_3} + HCl \to N{H_4}Cl$
Here $N{H_3}$ is a weak base and $HCl$ is a strong acid thus forming an acidic salt ammonium chloride.
ii.Basic salts form from the neutralization of a strong base and a weak acid.
Example: $NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$
Here $NaOH$ is a strong base and acetic acid is a weak acid thus forming a basic salt
iii.Neutralization of a strong acid and a strong base gives a neutral salt.
Example: $NaOH + HCl \to NaCl + {H_2}O$

Note:
-When a strong acid completely neutralizes a strong base, the pH of a solution is equal to $7$ .
-When a strong base completely neutralizes a weak acid, pH of a solution is greater than $7$.
-When a strong acid completely neutralizes a weak base, pH of a solution is less than $7$.