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Classification, Properties and Uses of Acids, Aquaregia - What are Acids? | 9th Science : Acids, Bases and Salts

Chapter: 9th Science : Acids, Bases and Salts

What are Acids?

All these edible items taste similar i.e. sour. What cause them to taste sour? A certain type of chemical compounds present in them gives sour taste. These are called acids. The word ‘acid’ is derived from the Latin name “acidus” which means sour taste. Substances with sour taste are called acids.

What are Acids?

Look at the pictures of some of the materials used in our daily life given below:


All these edible items taste similar i.e. sour. What cause them to taste sour? A certain type of chemical compounds present in them gives sour taste. These are called acids. The word ‘acid’ is derived from the Latin name “acidus” which means sour taste. Substances with sour taste are called acids.


In 1884, a Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius proposed a theory on acids and bases. According to Arrhenius theory, an acid is a substance which furnishes H+ ions or H3O+ ions in aqueous solution. They contain one or more replaceable hydrogen atoms. For example, when hydrogen chloride is dissolved in water, it gives H+ and Cl- ions in water.

HCl(aq) → H+(aq) + Cl-(aq)

What happens to an acid or a base in water? Do acids produce ions only in aqueous solution?

Hydrogen ions in HCl are produced in the presence of water. The separation of H+ ion from HCl molecules cannot occur in the absence of water.

HCl + H2O → H3O+ + Cl-

Hydrogen ions cannot exist alone, but they exist in combined state with water molecules.

Thus, hydrogen ions must always be H+ (or) Hydronium (H3O+)

H+ + H2O → H3O+

The following table enlists various acids and the ions formed by them in water.


 

1. Classification of Acids

Acids are classified in different ways as follows:

 

Based on their sources:

(i) Organic acids

(ii) Inorganic acids

Organic Acids:

Acids present in plants and animals (living things) are organic acids.

Example: HCOOH, CH3COOH

Inorganic Acids:

Acids prepared from rocks and minerals are inorganic acids or mineral acids.

Example: HCl, HNO3, H2SO4

 

Based on their Basicity

Monobasic Acid:

Acid that contain only one replaceable hydrogen atom per molecule is called monobasic acid. It gives one hydrogen ion per molecule of the acid in solution.

Example: HCl, HNO3

Dibasic Acid:

An acid which gives two hydrogen ions per molecule of the acid in solution.

Example: H2SO4, H2CO3

Tribasic Acid:

An acid which gives three hydrogen ions per molecule of the acid in solution.

Example: H3PO4

 

Based on Ionisation

Acids get ionised in water (produce H+ ions) completely or partially. Based on the extent of ionisation acids are classified as follows:

Strong Acids:

These are acids that ionise completely in water. Example: HCl

Weak Acids:

These are acids that ionise partially in water. Example: CH3COOH.

 

Based on Concentration

Concentrated Acid:

It has relatively large amount of acid dissolved in a solvent.

Dilute Acid:

It has relatively smaller amount of acid dissolved in solvent.

 

2. Properties of Acids

a) They have sour taste

b) Their aqueous solutions conduct electricity since they contain ions

c) Acids turns blue litmus red

d) Acids react with active metals to give hydrogen gas.

Mg + H2SO4 → MgSO4 + H2

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2

e. Acids react with metal carbonate and metal hydrogen carbonate to give carbon dioxide.

Na2CO3 + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H2O + CO2

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2

f) Acids react with metallic oxides to give salt and water.

CaO + H2SO4 → CaSO4 + H2O

g) Acids react with bases to give salt and water.

HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O


Role of water in acid solution

Acids show their properties only when dissolved in water. In water, they ionise to form H+ ions which determine the properties of acids. They do not ionise in organic solvents.

For example, when HCl is dissolved in water it produces H+ ions and Cl- ions whereas in organic solvent like ethanol they do not ionise and remain as molecule.




 

3. Uses of Acids

·           Sulphuric acid is called King of Chemicals because it is used in the preparation of many other compounds. It is used in car batteries also.

·           Hydrochloric acid is used as a cleansing agent in toilets.

·           Citric acid is used in the preparation of effervescent salts and as a food preservative.

·           Nitric acid is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, dyes, paints and drugs.

·           Oxalic acid is used to clean iron and manganese deposits from quartz crystals. It is also used as bleach for wood and removing black stains.

·           Carbonic acid is used in aerated drinks.

·           Tartaric acid is a constituent of baking powder.

 

4. Aquaregia

We know that metals like gold and silver are not reactive with either HCl or HNO3. But the mixture of these two acids can dissolve gold. This mixture is called Aquaregia. It is a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid prepared optimally in a molar ratio of 3:1. It is a yellow-orange fuming liquid. It is a highly corrosive liquid, able to attack gold and other resistant substances.

Chemical formula : 3 HCl + HNO3

Solubility in Water : Miscible in water

Melting point : - 42˚ C (- 44˚ F, 231K)

Boiling point : 108 ˚ C (226 ˚ F , 381K)

The term aquaregia is a Latin phrase meaning “King’s Water”. The name reflects the ability of aquaregia to dissolve the noble metals such as gold, platinum and palladium.

Uses of Aquaregia:

1. It is used chiefly to dissolve metals such as gold and platinum.

2. It is used for cleaning and refining gold.

 

Tags : Classification, Properties and Uses of Acids, Aquaregia , 9th Science : Acids, Bases and Salts
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9th Science : Acids, Bases and Salts : What are Acids? | Classification, Properties and Uses of Acids, Aquaregia


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