Class 7 Science – Chapter 4: Acids, Bases and Salts

Introduction

  • Substances are classified as acids, bases, and salts based on their chemical nature.
  • Acids and bases have different physical and chemical properties, while salts are formed from the neutralization of acids and bases.

Acids

Definition

  • Substances that have a sour taste and turn blue litmus paper red.
  • Acids release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water.

Types of Acids

  1. Natural Acids – Found in natural sources like fruits and vegetables.
    • Examples:
      • Citric acid – Lemon, orange
      • Acetic acid – Vinegar
      • Tartaric acid – Tamarind
  2. Mineral Acids – Prepared from minerals and are stronger.
    • Examples:
      • Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
      • Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄)
      • Nitric acid (HNO₃)

Strong and Weak Acids

  • Strong Acids – Completely ionize in water.
    • Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
    • Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄)
  • Weak Acids – Partially ionize in water.
    • Acetic acid (CH₃COOH)
    • Citric acid (C₆H₈O₇)

Properties of Acids

  • Sour taste.
  • Corrosive in nature.
  • Turn blue litmus paper red.
  • React with metals to release hydrogen gas.
    • Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂
  • React with carbonates and bicarbonates to release carbon dioxide.
    • CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂
diagram for types of acids with examples names and chemical formula thebachchantop.com

Bases

Definition

  • Substances that are bitter in taste and feel soapy to touch.
  • They turn red litmus paper blue.
  • Bases release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water.

Types of Bases

  1. Strong Bases – Dissociate completely in water.
    • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
    • Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
  2. Weak Bases – Dissociate partially in water.
    • Ammonium hydroxide (NH₄OH)
    • Calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂]

Natural and Synthetic Bases

  • Natural Bases – Found in nature.
    • Example: Lime water (Calcium hydroxide)
  • Synthetic Bases – Produced chemically.
    • Example: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Properties of Bases

  • Bitter taste.
  • Slippery and soapy to touch.
  • Turn red litmus paper blue.
  • React with acids to form salt and water.
    • NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H₂O
diagram for types of bases with example names and chemical formulae thebachchantop

Indicators

Definition

  • Substances that change color in the presence of acids or bases.

Types of Indicators

  1. Natural Indicators
    • Litmus: Red in acid, blue in base.
    • Turmeric: Yellow in acid, reddish-brown in base.
  2. Synthetic Indicators
    • Phenolphthalein: Colorless in acid, pink in base.
    • Methyl orange: Red in acid, yellow in base.
  3. Olfactory Indicators
    • Onion: Loses smell in base.
    • Vanilla: Loses smell in base.
diagram of types of indicators natural and synthetic indicators

Neutralization Reaction

Definition

  • The reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water.
    • Acid + Base → Salt + Water
    • HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

Examples

  • Antacids neutralize stomach acid.
  • Lime neutralizes acidic soil.

Salts

Definition

  • Formed when an acid reacts with a base.
  • Salts can be acidic, basic, or neutral.

Types of Salts

  1. Neutral Salts – Formed by strong acid and strong base.
    • Sodium chloride (NaCl)
  2. Acidic Salts – Formed by a strong acid and weak base.
    • Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl)
  3. Basic Salts – Formed by a weak acid and strong base.
    • Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃)

Properties of Salts

  • Soluble in water.
  • Conduct electricity when dissolved.
  • Can be neutral, acidic, or basic.
diagram of types of salts thebachchantop.com

Importance of Acids, Bases, and Salts in Daily Life

  1. Acids
    • Stomach acid aids digestion.
    • Used in the production of fertilizers and batteries.
  2. Bases
    • Used in soap and detergent production.
    • Lime water is used to reduce acidity in soil.
  3. Salts
    • Used for food preservation (table salt).
    • Sodium bicarbonate is used in baking.

Common Examples and Their Uses

  1. Acids
    • Hydrochloric acid – Cleaning metal surfaces.
    • Acetic acid – Food preservative.
  2. Bases
    • Sodium hydroxide – Soap manufacturing.
    • Magnesium hydroxide – Antacid.
  3. Salts
    • Sodium chloride – Preservative.
    • Potassium nitrate – Fertilizer.

Precautions While Handling Acids and Bases

  • Wear protective gear.
  • Handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Always add acid to water, not the other way around.

Summary

  • Acids and bases have distinct properties and indicators help identify them.
  • Neutralization reactions produce salts and have significant applications.
  • Acids, bases, and salts play a crucial role in our daily lives.

Class 7 Science :Acid Base and Salt Free Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a common acid found in homes?
Correct Answer: B) Vinegar
Vinegar contains acetic acid, a weak acid used in kitchens.
2. Which of these has a slippery feel and is a base?
Correct Answer: B) Soap solution
Bases feel slippery due to saponification on skin.
3. Litmus turns red in which of the following?
Correct Answer: A) Acidic solution
Red litmus indicates acid; blue litmus turns red in acid.
4. Which of the following is used to test for a base?
Correct Answer: D) Both B and C
Red litmus turns blue in bases, and phenolphthalein turns pink in bases.
5. Which of the following is a salt?
Correct Answer: A) Sodium chloride
Salt is formed by the reaction of an acid and a base.
6. Which of these acids is used in batteries?
Correct Answer: B) Sulphuric acid
Sulphuric acid is used in lead-acid batteries.
7. What happens when an acid reacts with a base?
Correct Answer: A) Water and salt are formed
This reaction is called neutralization.
8. Which of the following is a weak base?
Correct Answer: B) Ammonium hydroxide
Ammonium hydroxide is less reactive and weaker than strong bases.
9. Which salt is obtained by the reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide?
Correct Answer: B) Sodium chloride
HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O (neutralization reaction).
10. Which of the following salts can be used in baking?
Correct Answer: B) Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used as a raising agent.

Quiz Results

Class 7 Science Chapterwise Notes

Responses

  1. […] Acids, Bases and Salts […]

  2. […] Click Here To Read In English इस टॉपिक पर क्विज गेम खेलें […]

  3. […] Exploring Substances: Acidic, Basic, and Neutral […]

  4. […] | Chapter-2 | Chapter-3 | Chapter-4 | Chapter-5 | Chapter-6 | Chapter-7 | Chapter-8 | Chapter-9 | Chapter-10 | […]

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