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What is the difference between acid and base?
Acid An acid is a molecule or substance that has a pH value less than 7.0 when it is present in an aqueous solution. An aqueous solution is any solution where water is a solvent.
Base A base (alkaline) is a molecule or substance that has a pH value higher than 7.0 when present in an aqueous solution. Bases are the exact chemical opposite of acids in chemistry.
Basis of Comparison | ACID | BASE |
Arrhenius Concept | Acid is a substance that when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of H+ ions. | The base is the substance when dissolved in water, increasing the concentration of OH- ions. |
| Bronsted-Lowry Concept | Acids are proton donors. | Bases are the proton acceptor. |
| Chemical formula | Such compounds whose chemical formula begins with H, for example, HCl (Hydrochloric acid), H3BO3 (Boric acid), CH2O3 (Carbonic acid). Although CH3COOH (Acetic acid) is an exception. | Such compounds whose chemical formula ends with OH, for example, KOH (Potassium hydroxide), NaOH (Sodium hydroxide). |
| pH scale (concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution) | Less than 7. | Greater than 7. |
| Physical Characteristics | Sour in taste. Gives a burning sensation. Reacts with metals to produce hydrogen gas. | Bitter in taste. Odorless (except ammonia). Reacts with fats and oils. |
| Phenolphthalein Indicator | It remains colourless. | It gives pink in colour. |
| Litmus test | Turns blue litmus paper to red. | Turns red litmus paper to blue. |
| Strength | Depends on the concentration of hydronium ions. | Depends on the concentration of hydroxide ions. |
Dissociation when mixed with water Examples Uses | Acids dissociate to give free hydrogen ions (H+) after mixing in water. Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Nitric acid (HNO3), Carbonic acid (H2CO3). Used as preservatives, fertilizers, as preservatives, used as carbonated drinks, processing leather, household cleaning, making sodas, flavor to food, etc | Bases dissociate to give free hydroxide ions (OH-) after mixing in water. Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
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