What are the differences between acids and bases?

Acids and bases are two types of substances that have distinct properties and characteristics. Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in water, while bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) in water. This fundamental difference leads to a variety of properties that distinguish acids from bases.

• Acids have a pH less than 7, while bases have a pH greater than 7.
• Acids taste sour and can be corrosive, while bases taste bitter and feel slippery.
• Acids react with bases to form salts and water in a process called neutralization.
• Acids are often used in chemical reactions as catalysts, while bases are used to neutralize acids and in some cleaning products.

Understanding the differences between acids and bases is important in fields like chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where these substances play critical roles in various processes.