Name _____________________________
Period __________
Date __________
Lab – Acids, Bases and Salts
Introduction
Acids, bases and salts are three very important substances in the study of chemistry. All three
substances are Electrolytes (compounds which conduct electric current in water). They do this
because they are all ionic compounds and split into charged atoms or ions in solution. All three
of these materials are found in many common household items from table salt to citrus fruits. In
this investigation, we will be determining properties of acids and bases, experimenting with
chemical indicators and we will study an acid-base neutralization reaction.
Notes:
Acids are electrolytes that
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Examples of acids are:
Bases are electrolytes that
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Examples of bases are:
When acids mix with bases, a _____________________ _____________________ occurs
Making _______________________.
Salts have the following properties
1.
2.
3.
4.
Observe the demonstrations with the electrolyte tester.
What happens when to the light when the electrodes are submerged in a solution of:
Substance
Result
Explain
Vinegar
Ammonia water
Sugar water
List the formulas for each of the following acids and bases.
Name
Formula
Hydrochloric acid
Nitric acid
Sulfuric acid
Carbonic acid
Sodium Hydroxide
Calcium Hydroxide
Ammonium Hydroxide
Action on household chemicals.
In this part of the lab we will test several common household solutions with litmus and pH paper.
Circulate from station to station, testing the various materials as you progress.
Place the paper strips on the watch glass and test each of the solutions by touching the stirring
rods in the beakers to the test strips.
CUT STRIPS IN HALF SO YOU CAN TEST TWO SUBSTANCES
WITH EACH STRIP.
DO NOT INTERNIX STIRRING RODS OR OVER USE TEST STRIPS.
Record the results on the chart.
Analysis Questions
1. List 5 foods that contain acids. _____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. What element is found in all acids? _________________________________________
3. How do acids affect Litmus? ______________________________________________
4. How do bases affect Litmus? ______________________________________________
5. What polyatomic ion is found in all bases? ____________________________________
6. List 5 bases found in the home? ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
7. What substance tested had the lowest pH? _____________________________________
8. What substance tested had the highest pH? ___________________________________
9. What would the pH of salt water be? _________________________________________
10. Write an equation for a neutralization reaction. _________________________________
11. What is the pH of Tums? __________________________________________________
12. Explain why you take Tums when you have an upset stomach. _____________________
_______________________________________________________________________