SNC 2D – Chemistry
Acids and bases
Acids and Bases – Properties, Names and formulas
Properties of acids
Acids are sour tasting, water-soluble substances. They are considered proton donors since the hydrogen
ions that distinguishes them is displaced during the reaction. They are good electrical conductors.
Ions disassociated when dissolved in water
With metals, the H+ is displaced to form H2(g)
zinc + hydrochloric acid  hydrogen + Zinc chloride
With carbonates, water and carbon dioxide are formed.
Hydrochloric acid + calcium carbonate  calcium chloride + water + carbon dioxide
Names and formula of acids
Making Oxyacids
Oxyacids are made when non- metal oxides are added to water. The cation is always a Hydrogen
ion (H+). The name of the acid is based on the name of the cation
non-metal oxide + water  Acid
Sulphate added to water
Acid that begin with the prefix “hydro” are binary compounds in solution. The cation is always
hydrogen while the anion is halogen.
Hydrochloric acid -
Identify the following acids names
HClO3 __________________________
Carbonic acid
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H3PO4 __________________________
Nitric acid
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HF
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Hydrobromic acid
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HI
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Hydrofluoric acid`
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SNC 2D – Chemistry
Acids and bases
Properties of Bases
Bases are bitter-tasting, water-soluble substances that feel slippery to the touch. They are good
conductors of electricity because they release OH-, proton acceptors. Substances that are basic
are described as alkaline.
Bases are made when metal oxides are placed in water
Non-metal oxide + water 
Add Sodium oxide to water
The rules for naming and writing formula for bases is the same as basic nomenclature…
Magnesium Hydroxide
Potassium hydroxide
LiOH
Ca(OH)2
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Other Common Bases
Draino: drain cleaner (sodium hydroxide – NaOH) breaks down protein in hair
Bleach: Sodium hypochlorite – NaClO
Baking soda: Sodium bicarbonate – NaHCO3
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