Mastering Acids, Bases, and Reactions in GCSE Chemistry

Acids and Bases In GCSE Chemistry, understanding acids and bases is crucial. Acids release hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water, while bases release hydroxide ions (OH⁻)...

Acids and Bases

In GCSE Chemistry, understanding acids and bases is crucial. Acids release hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water, while bases release hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic). A neutral solution has a pH of 7.

Indicators and Neutralization

Indicators like litmus paper and universal indicator solution help determine whether a solution is acidic or basic. They change color based on the pH. Neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base, forming a salt and water.

Worked Example

Problem: Write a balanced equation for the neutralization of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Solution:

Titrations

Titrations are used to determine the concentration of an acid or base. A known volume and concentration of one solution is added to a known volume of the other until neutralization occurs. The endpoint is detected using an indicator.

Reactions of Acids

Acids react with metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and metal carbonates to produce salts. The reactivity of metals depends on their position in the reactivity series. More reactive metals displace less reactive metals from their compounds in displacement reactions.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the process of separating compounds into their elements using electrical energy. It can be performed on molten or aqueous ionic compounds, with different products formed at the electrodes based on the ions present and their reactivity.

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📚 Category: GCSE Chemistry
Last updated: 2025-11-03 15:02 UTC