06 Comparison
Table: Comparative Distinction Between Acids and Bases (Alkalis)
1Ion released in aqueous solution
Acids
- Hydrogen ion (H+ / H3O+)
Bases / Alkalis
- Hydroxide ion (OH-)
2Taste and physical texture
Acids
- Sour taste, sharp sting
Bases / Alkalis
- Bitter taste, slippery / soapy feel
3Effect on Litmus Paper
Acids
- Turns blue litmus paper RED
Bases / Alkalis
- Turns red litmus paper BLUE
4Effect on Phenolphthalein
Acids
- Colorless
Bases / Alkalis
- Deep pink / Magenta
5Reaction with Carbonates
Acids
- Effervescence with CO2 gas release
Bases / Alkalis
- No reaction
6Common Laboratory Examples
Acids
- HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, CH3COOH
Bases / Alkalis
- NaOH, KOH, Ca(OH)2, NH4OH