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What are acids and bases?

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Quick answer

Acids and bases are two opposite classes of chemicals. Acids release hydrogen ions and taste sour (like lemon); bases accept them and feel slippery (like soap). The pH scale measures how acidic or basic something is. Acids donate hydrogen ions (H⁺); bases accept them.

Key things to understand

  1. Acids donate hydrogen ions (H⁺); bases accept them.
  2. The pH scale runs 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic); 7 is neutral.
  3. Acids and bases react to neutralize each other, forming a salt and water.
  4. Examples: stomach acid, vinegar (acids); soap, baking soda (bases).

People also ask

What is pH?
A 0–14 scale measuring acidity: below 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, above 7 is basic.
What happens when an acid meets a base?
They neutralize each other, producing a salt and water.
What are common acids and bases?
Acids: vinegar, citrus, stomach acid. Bases: soap, baking soda, ammonia.