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How to identify Acids/Bases

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:19 am
by 904901860
Does anyone have any tips on how to identify an acid or base? I'm having trouble with this besides the strong acids and bases that we were recommended to memorize.

Re: How to identify Acids/Bases

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:20 am
by Andrew Sun 3F
If you are given a compound, identify the compound that loses an H+. For example, if in the reaction h3o+ becomes h2o, then you know that it lost a H+, or donated that. that compound will be an acid.

Re: How to identify Acids/Bases

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:46 am
by Julia Lee
Professor Lavelle went over in lecture that Alkali metals(group 1) oxides and hydroxides as well as Alkali Earth metal(group 2) oxides and hydroxides will be strong bases. Some examples he gave of these were Li2O, NaOH, Na2O, KOH, CaO, Ca(OH)2, Mg(OH)2.
A lot of strong acids have an element from the p block bonded to H for example HCl, HBr, HI, etc

Re: How to identify Acids/Bases

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:55 am
by 904901860
Andrew Sun 1I wrote:If you are given a compound, identify the compound that loses an H+. For example, if in the reaction h3o+ becomes h2o, then you know that it lost a H+, or donated that. that compound will be an acid.


Thank you, but how would I identify which compound would be the one that loses or gains an H+ I guess is what I am ultimately asking.

Re: How to identify Acids/Bases

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 11:01 am
by anishathomas
Based on whether the molecule or atom gives off or wants to gain a H plus can help you determine whether it is more acidic or basic. Also if you think about the conjugate base or acid, and its relative strengths, that can help too.