Summary
Highlights
A mnemonic 'Try on cage angelim should learn to open very actively' is introduced to remember naturally occurring acids. T-tamarind/tartaric acid, O-orange/citric acid, A-ant sting/methanoic acid, S-sour milk/lactic acid, T-tomato/oxalic acid, V-vinegar/acetic acid.
According to Arrhenius concept, acids are substances that donate hydrogen ions. A mnemonic 'ABC cannot start homework properly' helps remember common acids: Acetic, Boric, Citric, Carbonic, Nitric, Sulfuric, Hydrochloric, Phosphoric acid. Hydrogen ion is the key indicator of an acid.
Bases, by Arrhenius concept, donate hydroxide ions. Metals combined with hydroxide ions form bases. Examples include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and iron hydroxide. Hydroxide ion is the key indicator for bases.
Salts are formed when acids and bases react in a neutralization reaction. The metal part of the base combines with the negative part of the acid. A mnemonic 'cute cat so nice' helps remember important salt ions: Chloride, Carbonate, Sulfate, Nitrate.
Acids contain hydrogen ions, bases contain hydroxide ions, and salts contain metals plus other ions.
Strong acids completely dissociate in water to give maximum hydrogen ions (e.g., Nitric, Sulfuric, Hydrochloric - mnemonic 'Not So Hard'). Weak acids only partially dissociate, giving fewer hydrogen ions (e.g., Formic, Carbonic, Acetic, Phosphoric - mnemonic 'Father can always spare').
Strong bases completely ionize in water to give maximum hydroxide ions (e.g., Barium, Cesium, Sodium, Potassium hydroxide - mnemonic 'Baby can swim properly'). Weak bases partially dissociate, giving fewer hydroxide ions (e.g., Copper, Iron, Ammonia, Lead, Zinc hydroxide - mnemonic 'Can I always love zebra').
This refers to water molecules present in a salt's crystal structure, such as in blue vitriol (copper sulfate), green vitriol (iron sulfate), and white vitriol (zinc sulfate).
Common salts include sodium chloride (common salt, seasoning), calcium carbonate (limestone, construction), calcium sulfate (plaster of paris, cement), bicarbonate (baking soda, baking/glass manufacturing), and sodium carbonate (washing soda, detergent).