2.5 Acids, Bases and Salts

Production of Ions

Acids and bases can conduct electricity because they release ions in solution.

• Acids release hydrogen ions, H⁺(aq)
• Bases release hydroxide ions OH^–(aq)

The pH of a solution refers to the concentration of ions it has.

• Square brackets are used to signify concentration, [H⁺(aq)], [OH^–(aq)]
  • High [H⁺(aq)] = low pH, very acidic
  • High [OH^–(aq)] = high pH, very basic
• A solution cannot have BOTH high [H⁺(aq)] and [OH^–(aq)]; they cancel each other out and form water. This process is called neutralization.
• H⁺(aq) + OH^–(aq)--> H₂O(l )