Acids vs Bases
Acids and bases are two important categories of chemical compounds that have distinct characteristics and properties. Differentiating between acids and bases is crucial in understanding their behavior in various chemical reactions.

Acids
- Acids are substances that can donate protons (H+) in a chemical reaction.
- They have a pH value less than 7.
- Examples of common acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
- Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
- They turn blue litmus paper red.

Bases
- Bases are substances that can accept protons (H+) in a chemical reaction.
- They have a pH value greater than 7.
- Examples of common bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonia (NH3).
- Bases feel slippery to the touch.
- They turn red litmus paper blue.

Differences between Acids and Bases
- Acids have a sour taste, while bases have a bitter taste.
- Acids react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide gas, while bases react with acids to form salts and water.
- Acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors.
- Acids increase the concentration of H+ ions in solution, while bases decrease it.
- Acids are used in industries for cleaning and etching, while bases are used in household cleaning products.
In conclusion, acids and bases have contrasting properties and play important roles in various chemical reactions. Understanding the differences between acids and bases is essential in chemistry and everyday life.