Acids and Bases

A chemical species is an acid or base, depending on how it reacts in aqueous solution. According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid (HA) is a species that donates a proton in aqueous solution. A base (B) is a species that accepts a proton in aqueous solution. The ability to accept or donate a proton depends on the chemical structure of the molecule. The protons donated by an acid combine with the water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+). A base receives protons from water molecules. The water molecules then become hydroxide ions (OH-). These two different reactions occur because water is amphoteric - it can either donate or receive protons.The pH scale represents how acidic or basic a substance is. It is important to note that acids and bases, especially strong ones, can corrode metals and burn human skin.

Acids and bases are all around you. In this simulation, you will learn the basics of acids and bases. You will get your hands on some very corrosive chemicals. Will you be able to calculate the pH of these solutions?