Acids, Bases and Indicators

acids

Acids are those substances which taste sour and reacts with a base.The chemical nature of acid is acidic. The word acid comes from Latin word 'acere' which means sour. It turns blue litmus to red and it contains hydrogen ions. eg-acetic acid found in vinegar, formic acid found in ant's sting, citric acid found in citrus fruits, lactic acid found in curd, oxalic acid found in Spinach, Ascorbic acid found in Citrus fruits and tartaric acid found in Tamarind, Grapes, unripe Mangoes etc

Bases

Bases are those substances which taste bitter and reacts with a acid.The chemical nature of base is basic. It turns red litmus to blue and it is soapy to touch. eg-calcium hydroxide found in lime water, ammonium hydroxide found in window cleaner, sodium hydroxide/potassium hydroxide found in soap and magnesium hydroxide found in milk of magnesia.

Indicators

Indicators are those substances which is used to test whether a substance is acidic or basic.It shows different colors in acidic or basic solution. eg- china rose petals, litmus paper etc