Chemistry: Properties of Acids and Bases

Properties of Acids and Bases

It's frequently possible to tell acids and bases apart from one another by some of their easily observed chemical and physical properties. A table of these properties is shown here:

Property Acid Base
TasteSour (vinegar)Bitter (baking soda)
SmellFrequently burns noseUsually no smell (except NH3!)
TextureStickySlippery
ReactivityFrequently react with metals to form H2React with many oils and fats
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Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chemistry © 2003 by Ian Guch. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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