Tag: Acid

Introduction

Acids and bases have been defined many times and in many ways. Numerous scientists have suggested various definitions for acids and bases, some of which are highly specific and others of which are quite broad. We come into contact with acids and bases on a daily basis. Except for water, every liquid we used had acidic or basic properties, such as vinegar (acetic acid), soft drinks (carbonic acid), buttermilk (lactic acid), and soap (contains base). The initial definitions were based on the flavour of the substance and how it interacted with other substances.

Ionization of Acids

The degree of ionization is a measure of the acidity or baseness of an acid or base. A strong acid completely ionizes in water, whereas a weak acid only partially ionizes. Because acids have varying degrees of ionization, they also have varying degrees of weakness that can be quantified. The ionization of a weak acid is an equilibrium process.

\[HA{\rm{ }}\left( {aq} \right){\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O{\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}{H_3}{O^ + }\left( {aq} \right){\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{A^–}\]

\[{K_a} = \frac{{[{H_3}{O^ + }][{A^ – }]}}{{\left[ {HA} \right]}}\]

The Acid Ionization Constant is defined by the Equilibrium Constant for the Ionization of an Acid \({K_a}\). The higher the acid ionization constant, the stronger the acid. As a result, a strong acid donates more protons than a weak acid. Because the concentration of the product is in the numerator of the Ka constant, the larger the acid ionization constant, the stronger the acid \({K_a}\).

Ionization of Bases

Strong bases are bases that completely dissociate into their ions in an aqueous solution, such as lithium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. As a result, the ionization of these bases produces hydroxyl ions, which are represented by the symbol \(O{H^ – }\). 

\[B{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O{\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}O{H^–} + {\rm{ }}B{H^ + }\]

\[{K_b} = \frac{{[O{H^ – }] + [B{H^ + }]}}{{\left[ B \right]}}\]

\({K_b}\) is the abbreviation for the equilibrium constant for base ionization. As a result, a strong base indicates that it is a good proton acceptor, whereas a strong acid indicates that it is a good proton donor. Weak acids and weak bases dissociate in water as follows:

\[C{H_3}COOH{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O{\rm{ }} \mathbin{\lower.3ex\hbox{$\buildrel\textstyle\leftharpoonup\over{\smash{\rightharpoondown}}$}} {\rm{ }}C{H_3}CO{O^ – } + {\rm{ }}{H_3}{O^ + }\]

\[N{H_3} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O{\rm{ }} \mathbin{\lower.3ex\hbox{$\buildrel\textstyle\leftharpoonup\over{\smash{\rightharpoondown}}$}} {\rm{ }}N{H_4}^ + \left( {aq} \right){\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}O{H^ – }\left( {aq} \right)\]

Neutralization Reaction

When an acidic solution is treated with an alkaline solution or aqueous solution of a metal oxide, a salt is formed, and the solution becomes neutral. A neutralization reaction occurs when \({H^ + }\)ions from an acid combine with \(O{H^ – }\)ions from the base of a metal oxide.

The chemical reactions shown below demonstrate the formation of salt.

\[HCl{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}NaOH{\rm{ }} \to {\rm{ }}NaCl{\rm{ }} + {\rm{ }}{H_2}O\]

\[{H_2}S{O_4} + {\rm{ }}Ca{\left( {OH} \right)_2} \to {\rm{ }}CaS{O_4} + {\rm{ }}2{H_2}O\]

Summary

The term “ionisation degree” also refers to the proportion of neutral particles in aqueous or gaseous solutions that are ionised to form charged particles. It could be defined as an acid’s or a base’s ability to ionise itself in electrolytes. A low degree of ionisation is sometimes called partially or weakly ionised, while a high degree of ionisation is called fully ionised. However, a fully ionised state can also indicate that an ion has used up all of its electrons.

Arrhenius’ theory states that an acid is a substance that dissociates in an aqueous medium to produce hydrogen ions. A base, on the other hand, is a chemical that produces hydroxyl ions in an aqueous medium. Arrhenius’ hypothesis is especially important in understanding acid and base ionisation. This is because ionisation occurs frequently in watery media. The degree of ionisation of an acid and a base can be used to determine their strength.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What do you mean by the Ionisation of acids and bases?

Ans. The degree of ionisation is proportional to the acid or base strength. A strong acid or base is said to completely ionise in water, whereas a weak acid or base is said to partially ionise.

2. Why acids are considered the opposite of bases?

Ans. As acids increase the concentration of hydronium \({H_3}{O^ + }\) in the water while bases decrease it, acids and bases are considered opposed. The reaction between an acid and a base is referred to as “neutralisation.”

3. What effect does ionisation have on pH?

Ans. The concentration of \({H^ + }\)ions and thus the acid’s strength are determined by the extent of dissociation (or ionisation). As a result, the degree to which an acid dissociates or ionises is proportional to its acidic strength (stronger acids have lower pH values).

Introduction

The thin layer of air or gases that surrounds the earth is known as the atmosphere. The earth’s life depends on air, which is a fundamental component of nature. One of the most important worldwide issues is the contamination of the air. The air we breathe is contaminated with dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or physical things which not only harm the environment and materials but also endanger the health of people and other living things. Both natural and artificial causes are contributors to air pollution, but human activity is the main contributor.

Types of Pollutants

There are basically two types of pollutants- 

• Primary pollutants– These pollutants are directly emitted from various resources and lead to air pollution. Some of the primary pollutants are- Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Suspended particles, Volatile organic compounds, Chlorofluorocarbons, etc.
• Secondary pollutant-When there is a chemical or physical interaction between primary pollutants and an atmospheric component, secondary pollutants are formed. These secondary pollutants are not any specific chemicals or particles. Some secondary pollutants are- Smog, Ground level ozone, sulfuric acid, nitric acid with water vapour, etc.

Let our expert teachers be your guide toward improving your grades and reaching your highest potential. Study online science tuition for classes 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Causes of Air Pollution

Causes of air pollution are as follows-

• Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gasoline results in the majority of air pollution since they are used to provide energy for transportation or electricity.
• Several particulate matter emissions, including, CO2, SO2, and CO, can result in pollution from industrial activity.
• Smoking tobacco, cooking smoke, hazardous chemicals from home painting supplies, etc. all contribute to air pollution.
• Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases in the environment and is produced as a byproduct of numerous agricultural usage.

Harmful Effects

Air pollution has adverse effects on humans as well as the environment. Following are the ill effects of air pollution-

Air pollution effect on humans-

• Aerosol sprays and paint removers include methylene chloride, which can be carcinogenic.
• Gasoline and benzene can lead to leukemia.
• Lung cancer is brought on by gases generated when fossil fuels are burned.
• Asthma and other respiratory illnesses like COPD are caused by suspended particles such as dust, pollen, ashes, etc.
• The likelihood of pneumonia, lung inflammation, chest pain, cough, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and fever is increased by nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide exposure.

Air pollution effect on the environment-

• Acid Rain is the term for the precipitation of dangerous nitric and sulfuric acids along with rainwater. These gases are generated by the burning of fossil fuels and combine with rainwater to produce various acids, such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
• Aquatic life and various tree species are negatively impacted by acidic buildup in the water body by a major decline in biodiversity.
• Buildings, monuments, and sculptures built of sandstone, limestone, marble, and granite are damaged and discoloured by acid rain.
• Ozone depletion occurs due to air pollutant such as CFCs. Due to this depletion UV light then penetrates the earth’s surface and has serious consequences like DNA mutation, skin cancers etc.
• Also, air pollution causes other harmful effects such as Global warming, and climate change which affect the biodiversity of the Earth adversely.

Prevention

To prevent air pollution following should be done-

• Reduction of forest fires.
• Stop burning crackers.
• All chimneys should contain filters.
• Use green energy 
• Using carpooling and public transportation.
• The Air Act of 1981, which forbids burning fuel that contributes to air pollution, must be followed.
• Implement planting trees.
• Paper, plastic, metals, and organic materials should all be recycled and used.

Control

Following ways are there to control air pollution-

• Reduce vehicular pollution. Numerous vehicles on the road each day produce dangerous air pollution. Use fewer cars and more environmentally friendly forms of transportation.
• Using alternative and eco-friendly forms of  fuels.
• Utilizing unleaded gasoline
• Plant more trees. 

Summary 

When dangerous chemicals like chemical, biological, and physical pollutants from both man-made and natural sources contaminate the atmosphere, it causes air pollution, which is an unwelcome change. Rising morbidity and mortality, has an impact on not just the climate but also on public and individual health. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground ozone, particulate matter, sulphur oxides, CFC’s, Hydrocarbons etc. are examples of common air pollutants which cause air pollution. Plants are referred to as the “lungs” of an ecosystem as they take in carbon dioxide and give fresh oxygen to the environment. Hence, they should be planted more to prevent air pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Describe a Scrubber.
Ans: A scrubber is a device that traps any particle matter or other similar contaminants in the air and cleans the air to prevent pollution. It contains an ionized liquid that traps the small particles of a contaminant.

2. Explain Alternative Fuels.
Ans: There are several compounds known as alternative fuels that can be used in place of traditional fuels like gasoline, diesel, etc. CNG, hydrogen, and other such fuels are examples of alternative fuels. These are unconventional and don’t pollute the air.

3. What is Smog?
Ans: Smog is an air contaminant and is made when fog, smoke, and sunlight are combined. Sulphurous smog and photochemical smog are the two types of smog. When sulphur oxides are present in significant concentrations in the air, sulphurous smog, also known as London smog, forms. When sunlight and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) react in the sky, photochemical smog, often known as Los Angeles smog, is created.

Introduction

The thin layer of air or gases that surrounds the earth is known as the atmosphere.

The earth’s life depends on air, which is a fundamental component of nature. One of the most important worldwide issues is the contamination of the air. The air we breathe is contaminated with dangerous chemicals, biological agents, or physical things which not only harm the environment and materials but also endanger the health of people and other living things. Both natural and artificial causes are contributors to air pollution, but human activity is the main contributor.

Types of Pollutants

There are basically two types of pollutants- 

• Primary pollutants– These pollutants are directly emitted from various resources and lead to air pollution. Some of the primary pollutants are- Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Suspended particles, Volatile organic compounds, Chlorofluorocarbons, etc.
• Secondary pollutant-When there is a chemical or physical interaction between primary pollutants and an atmospheric component, secondary pollutants are formed. These secondary pollutants are not any specific chemicals or particles. Some secondary pollutants are- Smog, Ground level ozone, sulfuric acid, nitric acid with water vapour, etc.

Let our expert teachers be your guide toward improving your grades and reaching your highest potential. Study online science tuition for classes 6th, 7th, and 8th.

Causes of Air Pollution

Causes of air pollution are as follows-

• Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gasoline results in the majority of air pollution since they are used to provide energy for transportation or electricity.
• Several particulate matter emissions, including, CO2, SO2, and CO, can result in pollution from industrial activity.
• Smoking tobacco, cooking smoke, hazardous chemicals from home painting supplies, etc. all contribute to air pollution.
• Ammonia is one of the most hazardous gases in the environment and is produced as a byproduct of numerous agricultural usage.

Harmful Effects

Air pollution has adverse effects on humans as well as the environment. Following are the ill effects of air pollution-

Air pollution effect on humans-

• Aerosol sprays and paint removers include methylene chloride, which can be carcinogenic.
• Gasoline and benzene can lead to leukemia.
• Lung cancer is brought on by gases generated when fossil fuels are burned.
• Asthma and other respiratory illnesses like COPD are caused by suspended particles such as dust, pollen, ashes, etc.
• The likelihood of pneumonia, lung inflammation, chest pain, cough, exhaustion, shortness of breath, and fever is increased by nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide exposure.

Air pollution effect on the environment-

• Acid Rain is the term for the precipitation of dangerous nitric and sulfuric acids along with rainwater. These gases are generated by the burning of fossil fuels and combine with rainwater to produce various acids, such as nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
• Aquatic life and various tree species are negatively impacted by acidic buildup in the water body by a major decline in biodiversity.
• Buildings, monuments, and sculptures built of sandstone, limestone, marble, and granite are damaged and discoloured by acid rain.
• Ozone depletion occurs due to air pollutant such as CFCs. Due to this depletion UV light then penetrates the earth’s surface and has serious consequences like DNA mutation, skin cancers etc.
• Also, air pollution causes other harmful effects such as Global warming, and climate change which affect the biodiversity of the Earth adversely.

Prevention

To prevent air pollution following should be done-

• Reduction of forest fires.
• Stop burning crackers.
• All chimneys should contain filters.
• Use green energy 
• Using carpooling and public transportation.
• The Air Act of 1981, which forbids burning fuel that contributes to air pollution, must be followed.
• Implement planting trees.
• Paper, plastic, metals, and organic materials should all be recycled and used.

Control

Following ways are there to control air pollution-

• Reduce vehicular pollution. Numerous vehicles on the road each day produce dangerous air pollution. Use fewer cars and more environmentally friendly forms of transportation.
• Using alternative and eco-friendly forms of  fuels.
• Utilizing unleaded gasoline
• Plant more trees. 

Summary 

When dangerous chemicals like chemical, biological, and physical pollutants from both man-made and natural sources contaminate the atmosphere, it causes air pollution, which is an unwelcome change. Rising morbidity and mortality, has an impact on not just the climate but also on public and individual health. Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, ground ozone, particulate matter, sulphur oxides, CFC’s, Hydrocarbons etc. are examples of common air pollutants which cause air pollution. Plants are referred to as the “lungs” of an ecosystem as they take in carbon dioxide and give fresh oxygen to the environment. Hence, they should be planted more to prevent air pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Describe a Scrubber.
Ans: A scrubber is a device that traps any particle matter or other similar contaminants in the air and cleans the air to prevent pollution. It contains an ionized liquid that traps the small particles of a contaminant.

2. Explain Alternative Fuels.
Ans: There are several compounds known as alternative fuels that can be used in place of traditional fuels like gasoline, diesel, etc. CNG, hydrogen, and other such fuels are examples of alternative fuels. These are unconventional and don’t pollute the air.

3. What is Smog?
Ans: Smog is an air contaminant and is made when fog, smoke, and sunlight are combined. Sulphurous smog and photochemical smog are the two types of smog. When sulphur oxides are present in significant concentrations in the air, sulphurous smog, also known as London smog, forms. When sunlight and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) react in the sky, photochemical smog, often known as Los Angeles smog, is created.

An Introduction to Acids and Bases

Acids are substances with a pH below 7 that release hydrogen ions or a proton when combined in an aqueous solution. The dissociable protons or hydrogen groups, also known as acidic hydrogen, that easily split apart in solution or the presence of bases are the main constituent of these acids.

Bases are substances that yield hydroxyl ions when combined with water in an aqueous solution when combined with water in an aqueous solution, yield hydroxyl ions. Their pH is higher than 7. Therefore, a base has a basic group that separates in an aqueous media or a dissociable hydroxyl group. Bases may also be referred to as substances that are hydrogen acceptors because they are substances that can either receive or accept hydrogen ions.

The pH Scale

The pH scale determines the strength of an acid or base by specifying the degree of dissociation. A strong acid or base dissociates in water, producing massive amounts of hydrogen or hydroxyl ions. A dissociation constant is used to calculate an acid or base’s dissociation of an acid or base.

Strong Acid

Since extremely acidic hydrogens are extremely acidic hydrogens present, strong acids HA has a high dissociation. Commonly, these hydrogens are attached to extremely electronegative groups (often halogens like chlorine, fluorine, and iodine). 

Low pH is found in strong acids. The amount of hydrogen ions in a solution is related to the pH. The negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions is the mathematical representation of pH.

\[pH =  – \log [{H^ + }]\]

The dissociation constant of acids, a parameter \({K_a}\), is used to account for the degree of dissociation. Increased dissociation and hence higher acidity are indicated by a high \({K_a}\) value. 

In chemistry, the \(p{K_a}\) value—the negative logarithm of \({K_a}\)—which is the logarithmic acid dissociation constant—is taken into account for convenience. Therefore, stronger acids will have a low pKa value and a high acid dissociation constant \({K_a}\) value, and vice versa.

\[p{K_a} =  – \log {K_a}\]

 Examples of Strong Acids

Strong Acids	Formula
Hydrochloric Acid	HCl
Sulphuric Acid	H2SO4
Nitric Acid	HNO3

Strong Base

Strong bases NaOH are substances that split apart in solution to form high quantities of hydroxyl ions. In addition, bases have the potential to be strong proton acceptors, which means that they could grab a proton from the water molecule \({H_2}O\) in an aqueous solution to produce an \(O{H^ – }\) ion.

\[NaOH \to N{a^ + }(aq) + O{H^ – }(aq)\]

The base dissociation constant Kb describes the level of dissociation in the case of bases. Stronger bases are associated with lower values of the logarithmic base dissociation constant, or, which is equivalent to \(p{K_a}\).

\[p{K_b} =  – \log {K_b}\]

Similar to pH, the concentration of hydroxyl ions is related to pOH. A strong base that supplied a lot of hydroxyl ions would have low pOH because the concentration of hydroxyl ions is a negative logarithm.

\[pOH =  – \log [O{H^ – }]\]

The equation pH + pOH = 14 relates pH and pOH in an aqueous solution. If one is known, the other can be used to compute either pH or pOH.

Strong bases commonly have a pH range of 13–14.

Examples of Strong Bases

Strong Bases	Formula
Calcium Hydroxide	Ca(OH)2
Sodium Hydroxide	NaOH
Potassium Hydroxide	KOH
Lithium Hydroxide	LiOH

Summary

Strong acids and bases are the subjects of this article, which also examines how strong acids or basic solutions are based on their pH. Strong acids and strong bases have a high degree of dissociation. Strong acids and bases dissociate in solution, releasing a lot of proton and hydroxyl ions. Strong bases have high pH, whereas strong acids have low pH. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Body’s pH?

Ans. The pH of human blood ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, making it very slightly alkaline. With a pH range of 1.5 to 3.5, the human stomach is the most acidic organ in the body. To break down food for digestion and remove any unwanted microorganisms, the stomach is kept at a low pH.

2. What are the Main Differences between a Strong Acid and a Weak Acid?

Strong Acids	Weak Acids
When exposed to water, strong acids completely dissociate into their ions.	In an aqueous solution, weak acids are molecules that partially dissociate into ions.
A strong acid solution has a very low pH.	A weak acid solution has a pH of 3-5.
It releases all the H+ ions to the solution.	Partially releases all H+ ions to enter the solution.

3. What are the Main Differences between a Strong Base and a Weak Base?

Strong Bases	Weak Bases
In a solution, a strong base can completely dissociate into its cation and hydroxyl ion.	A weak base partially dissociates into its hydroxyl ion and cation, resulting in an equilibrium state.