Properties of Acids and Bases
It's frequently possible to tell acids and bases apart from one another by some of their easily observed chemical and physical properties. A table of these properties is shown here:
| Property | Acid | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Sour (vinegar) | Bitter (baking soda) |
| Smell | Frequently burns nose | Usually no smell (except NH3!) |
| Texture | Sticky | Slippery |
| Reactivity | Frequently react with metals to form H2 | React with many oils and fats |
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chemistry © 2003 by Ian Guch. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
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