SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025
Self-Paced Course
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12
1. Properties and Examples
| Category | Taste | Litmus Effect | Nature | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acids | Sour | Turns blue litmus red | Proton donor (H⁺) | HCl, H₂SO₄, CH₃COOH, Citric Acid |
| Bases | Bitter, Soapy | Turns red litmus blue | Proton acceptor (OH⁻) | NaOH, KOH, NH₄OH, Ca(OH)₂ |
| Salts | Neutral | No effect on litmus | Product of acid + base | NaCl, KNO₃, CaCO₃, NH₄Cl |
Acids produce H⁺ ions, Bases produce OH⁻ ions in aqueous solution.
2. pH Scale and Indicators
pH Scale
- Measures hydrogen ion concentration.
- Range: 0 to 14
| pH Value | Nature of Solution |
|---|---|
| 0–6.9 | Acidic |
| 7 | Neutral |
| 7.1–14 | Basic |
More H⁺ ions = lower pH (more acidic)
pH < 4: Strong acid | pH> 10: Strong base
Common Indicators
| Indicator | Acid Color | Base Color |
|---|---|---|
| Litmus | Red | Blue |
| Methyl Orange | Red | Yellow |
| Phenolphthalein | Colorless | Pink |
| Universal | Red/ Orange/ Yellow | Blue/ Purple |
3. Uses in Daily Life
| Substance | Common Use |
|---|---|
| HCl (Hydrochloric acid) | Found in stomach for digestion |
| H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric acid) | Used in car batteries, fertilizers |
| NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) | Used in soap and detergent manufacturing |
| Ca(OH)₂ (Slaked lime) | Used in whitewashing walls |
| NaHCO₃ (Baking soda) | Used in baking and as an antacid |
| CH₃COOH (Acetic acid) | Found in vinegar |
| NH₄OH (Ammonium hydroxide) | Used in window cleaning liquids |
| Salts (NaCl, KNO₃, etc.) | Used in food, explosives, and fertilizers |
Developed By Jan Mohammad
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