How do acids and bases differ from salts?

Acids, bases, and salts are three fundamental types of chemical compounds that exhibit distinct properties and play crucial roles in various chemical processes. Here's how they differ from each other:

Acids:

1. Definition: Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, release hydrogen ions (H+).

2. Properties:

* Sour taste

* Corrosive to skin and metals

* React with bases to form salts and water

* Turn blue litmus paper red

3. Examples:

* Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

* Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)

* Nitric acid (HNO3)

* Acetic acid (CH3COOH)

Bases:

1. Definition: Bases are substances that, when dissolved in water, release hydroxide ions (OH-).

2. Properties:

* Bitter taste

* Slippery feel

* React with acids to form salts and water

* Turn red litmus paper blue

3. Examples:

* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

* Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

* Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)

* Ammonia (NH3)

Salts:

1. Definition: Salts are ionic compounds formed by the reaction of an acid and a base. They consist of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions).

2. Properties:

* Taste varies (can be salty, sweet, bitter, or sour)

* Generally soluble in water

* Conduct electricity in molten state or when dissolved in water

* Do not change the color of litmus paper

3. Examples:

* Sodium chloride (NaCl)

* Potassium nitrate (KNO3)

* Copper sulfate (CuSO4)

* Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)

Key Differences:

- Acids release H+ ions, bases release OH- ions, while salts are composed of cations and anions.

- Acids and bases undergo neutralization reactions to form salts and water.

- Acids have a sour taste and turn blue litmus paper red, while bases have a bitter taste and turn red litmus paper blue.

- Salts have various tastes, do not change the color of litmus paper, and conduct electricity when dissolved in water or in molten form.