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Checklist
Lesson Objectives
Topic 11 Acids and Bases
describe the meanings of the terms acid and alkali in terms of
(a) the ions they produce in aqueous solution and their effects on
Universal Indicator
describe how to test hydrogen ion concentration and hence
(b)
relative acidity using Universal Indicator and the pH scale
describe qualitatively the difference between strong and weak
(c)
acids in terms of the extent of ionisation
describe the characteristic properties of acids as in reactions
(d)
with metals, bases and carbonates
state the uses of sulfuric acid in the manufacture of
(e)
detergents and fertilisers; and as a battery acid
describe the reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide
(f)
ions to produce water, H+ + OH– H2O, as neutralisation
describe the importance of controlling the pH in soils and how
(g)
excess acidity can be treated using calcium hydroxide
describe the characteristic properties of bases as in reactions
(h)
with acids and with ammonium salts
classify oxides as acidic, basic, amphoteric or neutral based
(i)
on metallic / non-metallic character
describe tests to identify the following gases: ammonia,
(j)
carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur dioxide
Topic 12 Salts
describe the techniques used in the preparation, separation
and purification of salts as examples of specified in
Experimental Chemistry and Separation Techniques
(a)
(methods of preparation should include precipitation and
titration together with reactions of acids with metals, insoluble
bases and insoluble carbonates)
describe the general rules of solubility for common salts to
include nitrates, chlorides (including silver and lead), sulfates
(b)
(including barium, calcium and lead), carbonates, hydroxides,
salts of Group I cations and ammonium salts
suggest a method of preparing a given salt from suitable
(c)
starting materials, given appropriate information
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At the end of this topic, the difficulty/difficulties I faced is/are…
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Acid
Definition
Acids are substances which ionizes (or dissociates) in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+).
They are known as proton donor (Bronsted-Lowry acid-base Theory).
Common acids
Strength of acids
The strength of the acid depends on the amount / concentration of the hydrogen ion produced.
Strong acids dissociate completely in water to produce high concentration of hydrogen ions. They
measure a pH of 0 to 2.5 on the pH scale.
Ionization equation
E.g. HCl H+ + Cl–
2–
H2SO4 2H+ + SO 4
Weak acids dissociate partially in water to produce low concentration of hydrogen ions. They
measure a pH of 2.6 to 6.9 on the pH scale. Most acid molecules remain as molecules in water.
Ionization equation
E.g. CH3COOH CH3COO– + H+
Additional Information
Acids only exhibit its acidic characteristics when it dissolves in water (aqueous states).
Acid molecules in solid, liquid or gaseous states cannot exhibit acidic characteristics as the
hydrogen ions (H+) are not ‘free and mobile’.
Not all substances containing hydrogen are acids. For example, ammonia (NH3) contains hydrogen
but it does not produce hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.
Base
Definition
Bases are substances which are able to accept / receive the hydrogen ions from the acids.
They are known as proton acceptor (Bronsted-Lowry acid-base Theory).
There are mainly 2 different types of bases – soluble and insoluble bases.
Insoluble bases are mainly metal oxides, such as copper(II) oxide (CuO), magnesium oxide (MgO),
zinc oxide (ZnO), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) etc.
Soluble bases (that can dissolve in water) are known as alkalis. Examples of such
soluble bases are sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), aq. ammonia (NH3) etc.
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Strength of alkalis
Concentration
Terms used
“Dilute” and “Concentrated” are the common terms used to describe the concentration of acid or alkali.
A “dilute solution” is defined as low amounts of acid or alkali molecules dissolved in large
amount of water.
Misconceptions
“Dilute strong acid / alkali” does not mean that the acid / alkali dissociates partially in water.
Strong acid / alkali dissociates completely in water, just that the number of acid / alkali molecules
are lesser in the solution (as it is diluted).
“Concentrated weak acid / alkali” does not mean that the acid / alkali dissociates completely in water.
Weak acid / alkali dissociates partially in water, just that the number of acid / alkali molecules are
higher in the solution (as it is concentrated).
Indicators
What are they?
Acid-base indicators, also known as pH indicators are chemical substances that are able to give
different colors corresponding to different pH values.
Electronic pH meter
Litmus solution
0 7 14
red blue
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Universal Indicator
red orange yellow blue dd violet
0 2 4 6 7 8 10 12 14
0 3.5 5 14
The pH scale
pH value of
Significance of the pH value
solution
8 – 12 Weak base/alkali
Concentration of hydrogen ions is lower than
13 – 14 Strong base/alkali hydroxide ions in the solution
Note
The color change observed when an indicator is added to an acid/alkali is due to the change in color
of the indicator. It is not the color change of the acid or the alkali solution!
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Properties and Uses of Acid
Physical Properties of Acid
pH < 7
Turns damp blue litmus paper red
Sour taste
corrosive when concentrated
Are electrolytes: can conduct electricity in aqueous state
Strong acids are better electrical conductors than weak acids.
dissociates/dissolves in water to produce hydrogen ions (H+)
that can act as charge carriers to conduct electricity.
Note:
Name of salt corresponds to the names of the metal + the acid used.
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Reaction of Acid with Metal Hydrogen Carbonate/Carbonates
metal salt, water and carbon dioxide gas are produced.
Some examples with chemical equation:
1. Sulfuric acid + Sodium hydrogen carbonate Sodium sulfate + Water + Carbon dioxide gas
H2SO4 + NaHCO3 Na2SO4 + H2O + CO2
2. Nitric acid + Calcium carbonate Calcium nitrate + Water + Carbon dioxide gas
HNO3 + CaCO3 Ca(NO3)2 + H2O + CO2
3. Hydrochloric acid + Iron(III) carbonate Iron(III) chloride + Water + Carbon dioxide gas
HCl + Fe2(CO3)3 FeCl3 + H2O + CO2
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Neutralization
Definition
Neutralization is a reaction in which only a soluble salt and water are produced
as by-products.
It involves the reaction between the hydrogen ions (H+) (produced from the acid) and
the hydroxide ions (OH–) (produced from the alkali).
H+ (aq) + OH– (aq) H2O (l) This equation is always true for all acids
from the from the with alkalis reaction.
acid alkali
Importance of Neutralization
Slaked lime also known as calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) are usually added to soils to reduce acidity,
such that certain crops may grow at a more suitable pH environment.
pH > 7
Turns damp red litmus paper blue
Soapy feeling
corrosive when concentrated
Are electrolytes: can conduct electricity in aqueous state
Strong alkalis are better electrical conductors than weak alkalis.
dissociates/dissolves in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH–)
that can act as charge carriers to conduct electricity.
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Reaction of Acid with Soluble Alkalis (Metal Hydroxides)
metal salt and water are produced.
Some examples with chemical equation:
1. Sulfuric acid + Potassium hydroxide Potassium sulfate + Water
H2SO4 + KOH K2SO4 + H2O
Indigestive tablets
Dyes
Toothpastes
Soaps and Detergents
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Oxides
What are they?
Acidic Oxides
Neutral Oxides
Basic Oxides
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Amphoteric Oxides
The presence of hydrogen gas will extinguish a lighted splint with a ‘pop’ sound.
The presence of carbon dioxide gas gives a white precipitate when it is bubbled into limewater.
Oxygen gas
Ammonia gas
The presence of ammonia gas will turn damp red litmus paper blue.
This proves its alkalinity characteristic.
Chlorine gas
The presence of chlorine gas will bleach damp litmus paper. / turn damp blue litmus paper red and
then bleaches.
The presence of sulfur dioxide gas will decolourises purple acidified potassium manganate (VII)
solution. / turns purple acidified potassium manganate (VII) colourless.
This proves its reducing power (reducing agent) characteristic.
Salts
What is it?
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Families of Salts
Classification of Salts
Table of information
Golden Rule
All nitrates and ammonium salts as well as Group I salts/compounds are soluble in water.
Practice Exercise
Determine if the following salts are soluble or insoluble by placing a ().
Salt Soluble () Insoluble ()
Potassium carbonate
MgCl2
CuSO4
Zinc carbonate
Aluminium nitrate
AgCl
Lead(II) sulfate
BaCO3
Na2SO4
Ca(NO3)2
Magnesium sulfate
Calcium carbonate
Methods of Preparation of Salts
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There are 3 methods to prepare salts.
precipitation is used to prepare insoluble salts.
titration and reaction of dilute acids with reactive metals, metal oxides or metal carbonates
are used to prepare soluble salts.
Precipitation method
2. You are to prepare calcium carbonate. Suggest two appropriate reagents which you can use
to prepare the above named salt.
Thinking Process
Calcium carbonate salt – insoluble.
Insoluble salts require two soluble salts as starting reagents.
We need a soluble salt to settle the “calcium” side and another soluble salt to settle the
“carbonate” side of the calcium carbonate salt.
Thus, for “calcium” and “carbonate” salts that are soluble, it will be either:
(a) Calcium nitrate (as all nitrate salts are soluble) and Sodium carbonate
(b) Calcium chloride (as it is also soluble) and Potassium carbonate
(Sodium and Potassium are Group I elements, and gives soluble compounds.)
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Practice Questions:
Starting
Na2CO3 Ag2SO4
Reagents
Starting
HCl
Reagents
Titration method
It is used to prepare soluble salts containing only Group I metals and ammonium ions.
Requires a dilute acid and an aqueous alkali to prepare the desired soluble salt.
Process of preparation:
1. Pipette 25cm3 of (name/formula of acid / alkali used) into a conical flask and add 5 drops of
methyl orange indicator into it.
2. Titrate, drop by drop of (name/formula of alkali / acid used) from burette into the acid/alkali
and swirl the flask constantly.
3. Stop titration and record volume of (name/formula of alkali / acid used) used when 1st
appearance of color change is observed. Repeat the experiment again with the same
exact volume of (name/formula of alkali / acid used) used but do not add any indicators.
4. Filter the salt solution to remove any presence of impurities present.
5. Warm and evaporate the 2nd set of solution to saturation in an evaporating dish. After
which, allow the solution to cool so that crystallization can take place.
6. Filter the mixture and obtain the crystals as residue. Wash the crystals with small amount
of cold distilled water to remove impurities.
7. Dry the crystals between sheets of filter paper.
‘O’ Level Type of Questions:
1. You are to prepare sodium chloride crystals. You are given sodium hydroxide as one of the
starting reagent. Give the chemical name of the other reagent which you can use to prepare
the above named salt.
Thinking Process
Sodium chloride crystals – soluble, a Group I salt/compound.
Group I salts requires an acid and an alkali as starting reagents.
Given: sodium hydroxide an alkali
Sodium hydroxide settles the “sodium” side of the sodium chloride salt. Now we need a
soluble acid to settle the “chloride” side of the salt.
Thus, dilute hydrochloric acid will be used.
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2. You are to prepare ammonium nitrate crystals. Suggest two appropriate reagents which you
can use to prepare the above named salt.
Thinking Process
Ammonium nitrate crystals – soluble, an ammonium salt.
Ammonium salts requires an acid and an alkali as starting reagents.
We need an alkali to settle the “ammonium” side and an acid settle the “nitrate” side of the
ammonium nitrate salt.
Thus, aqueous ammonia and dilute nitric acid will be used to prepare ammonium nitrate salt.
Practice Questions:
Starting
NaOH HCl
Reagents
Starting
HNO3
Reagents
Reaction of dilute acids with reactive metals, metal oxides or metal carbonates
It is used to prepare most soluble salts, excluding ammonium and Group I salts.
Requires excess solid reactive metals, metal oxides or metal carbonates and a dilute acid
to prepare the desired soluble salt.
EXCEPTION: Soluble salts containing copper(II) and silver(I) cannot be prepared by using the
metal and an acid because their metals are chemically unreactive towards the acid.
Process of preparation:
1. Add excess solid (name/formula of metal / metal oxide / metal carbonate) to a fixed volume
of (name/formula of acid used). Stir and warm to ensure all the acid is used up in the
reaction.
2. Filter and remove excess (name/formula of metal / metal oxide / metal carbonate) from the
(name/formula of salt produced) solution. The (name/formula of salt produced) solution
collected is the filtrate.
3. Evaporate filtrate to saturation in an evaporating dish. Allow the solution to cool so that
crystallization can take place.
4. Filter the mixture and obtain the crystals as residue. Wash the crystals with small amount
of cold distilled water to remove impurities.
5. Dry the crystals between sheets of filter paper.
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‘O’ Level Type of Questions:
1. You are to prepare copper(II) sulfate crystals. You are given dilute sulfuric acid as one of the
starting reagent. Give the chemical name of the other reagent which you can use to prepare
the above named salt.
Thinking Process
Copper(II) sulfate crystals – soluble, and does not belong to titration salts.
Filtration salts requires an acid with either a metal / metal oxide / metal carbonate as starting
reagents.
Given: dilute sulfuric acid
Dilute sulfuric acid settles the “sulfate” side of the copper(II) sulfate salt. Now we need a
copper(II) oxide or copper(II) carbonate to settle the “copper(II)” side of the copper(II) sulfate
crystals.
Copper metal cannot be used as it is unreactive toward all dilute acids.
2. You are to prepare zinc chloride crystals. Suggest two appropriate reagents which you can
use to prepare the above named salt.
Thinking Process
Zinc chloride crystals – soluble, and does not belong to titration salts.
Filtration salts requires an acid with either a metal / metal oxide / metal carbonate as starting
reagents.
We need hydrochloric acid to settle the “chloride” side and zinc oxide or zinc carbonate or
zinc metal to settle the “zinc” side of the zinc chloride salt.
Practice Questions:
Starting
Al2O3 Mg
Reagents
Starting
HCl
Reagents
Starting
HNO3 PbCO3
Reagents
Additional Information
Crystallization is a key step, in filtration and titration method, when preparing soluble salts.
Precipitation keeps the residue as the salt product required whereas filtration and titration uses
the filtrate (with crystallization) as the salt product required.
A soluble salt, in this context, refers to salts that can dissolve in water.
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