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    Home » What is an acid?

    What is an acid?

    March 28, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    An acid is a substance with a PH of less than 7.

    The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is. A neutral substance such as pure water has a pH of 7!

    Acids form H+ ions in water. The higher the concentration of H+ ions the more acidic the solution is.

    Examples of acids

    Citric acid – found it citrus fruits

    Phosphoric acid – found in fizzy drinks

    Ascorbic acid – vitamin C

    Strong acids are hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid

    Strong acids are very dangerous, always read the warning labels.

    Did you know?

    If you breathe down a straw into red cabbage indicator it will turn red as carbon dioxide is slightly acidic!

    Acidic foods taste sour.

    Acidic liquids conduct electricity. You can investigate this with a lemon battery.

    lemon battery containing a copper coin and galvanised nail

    Orange juice has a pH of 4.

    Milk has a pH of 6.

    Stomach acid ( gastric juice ) contains small amounts of hydrochloric acid to help digest food and destroy harmful microorganisms. It has a pH of around 2 which means it is very acidic! The lining of the stomach is specially adapted so it isn’t damaged by the acid.

    Did you know you can test for acids using red cabbage indicator?

    Learn about the structure of acids on ThoughtCo.

    Image of a bottle of strong acid in a lab and a cartoon lemon

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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