Lesson 6 — Activity 3: Common Chemical Compounds
Completion requirements
Lesson 6 — Activity 3:
Common Chemical Compounds
Explore
In
the last two activities, you learned about naming chemical compounds and you looked at some common chemical compounds. In this activity, you
will learn more about some of these common chemical compounds that you
can find in your everyday life. More specifically, you will look more
closely at acids and bases.
In
the last two activities, you learned about naming chemical compounds and you looked at some common chemical compounds. In this activity, you
will learn more about some of these common chemical compounds that you
can find in your everyday life. More specifically, you will look more
closely at acids and bases.
Most people think acids are dangerous, and some are. Concentrated sulfuric acid is very corrosive and must be handled with care. But other acids are common chemicals that we use every day. Acetic acid is present in vinegar. Citric acid is found in fruits such as oranges and lemons. These acids are safe to eat.
It is a similar story with alkalis. Alkalis are also known as bases (alkalies are bases that can be dissolved in water). Alkalies are substances that are chemically the opposite of acids. A concentrated solution of the alkali sodium hydroxide is very
corrosive. It can be used to remove skin from bones to obtain skeletons.
But magnesium hydroxide is such a mild alkali that it can be taken as an
indigestion remedy.
Let's take a closer look at some common acids and bases that are in our everyday lives.
ACIDS
Acetic Acid
Formula: CH3COOHComposition: made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygenAcetic acid is found in vinegar. This acid is most often found in liquid form.
ACIDS
Acetic Acid
Formula: CH3COOHComposition: made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygenAcetic acid is found in vinegar. This acid is most often found in liquid form.
Acetic Acid
Formula: CH3COOH
Composition: made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
Acetic acid is found in vinegar. This acid is most often found in liquid form.
Boric Acid
Formula: H3BO3Composition: made up of boron, oxygen, and hydrogenBoric acid may be used as a disinfectant or pesticide.
Carbonic Acid
Formula: H2CO3Composition: made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygenSolutions of carbon dioxide in water are known as carbonated water (may be called carbonic acid).
Phosphoric Acid
Formula: H3PO4Composition: made up of phosphorus, oxygen, and hydrogenPhosphoric acid is a mineral acid used in many home-cleaning products.
BASES
BASES
Acetone
Formula: C3H6O
Composition: made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
Acetone is a flammable and colourless liquid. It is used in things like nail polish remover. Like many bases, it has a recogniable odour.
Ammonia
Formula: NH3
Composition: made up of nitrogen and hydrogen
Ammonia is a weak base. It is a colourless liquid or gas with a distinctive odour. Ammonia is often found in cleaning products.
Sodium Hydroxide
Formula: NaOH
Composition: made up of sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen
Sodium hydroxide is an extremely corrosive white solid. It is used for many things, such as making soap, cleanig a drain, and making other chemicals.
Below is a list of some more common acids and bases (alkalis).
Images courtesy of www.imagesgoogle.com