2.5 Acids, Bases and Salts

chemistry

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 )

ion table