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10.5Unit 5: Metals, non-metals, acids and alkalis

Acids and alkalis

5 min read 4 parts Lesson 5 of 7 1 quiz

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Part 1 of 4Acids

  • Acids in foodfruits such as lemons and limes contain citric acid, a weak acid with a sour taste
  • Laboratory acidshydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and nitric acid
  • Strong acidsare corrosive and dissolve skin, causing chemical burns
  • Dilute acidsare less dangerous but still irritate skin and eyes
  • Spillswash with lots of water, which dilutes the acid

Part 2 of 4Alkalis

  • Alkalis in productsmany cleaning products contain sodium hydroxide, a strong alkali
  • Laboratory alkalissodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide
  • Strong alkalisare corrosive and make skin feel soapy as they burn it
  • Eyesalkalis are harmful if they get in the eyes
  • Dilutiondilute alkalis are less dangerous

Part 3 of 4Working safely

  • Stand upso spills do not fall on you
  • Safety glassesso nothing enters your eyes
  • Bottle topplace it upside down on the bench so it does not pick up dirt or contaminate the surface
  • Replace the topas soon as you finish to prevent spills and wrong tops

Part 4 of 4Hazard symbols

SymbolMeaning
ExplosiveCan explode with a flame or heat
FlammableCatches fire easily
OxidisingGives off a large amount of heat in contact with other substances
CorrosiveDestroys living tissue and causes burns
ToxicCan poison you
Hazardous to the environmentCan kill or damage living things in the environment
Health hazardCan cause harm such as irritating skin and eyes
Serious health hazardCan cause a serious health problem

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