Acid
Definition
An acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, resulting in a pH lower than 7. Acids are crucial in many biological and chemical processes, influencing the structure and function of molecules in living organisms.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
- The pH scale measures acidity, with values below 7 indicating acidic solutions.
- Common examples of acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and acetic acid (CH3COOH).
- Acids can denature proteins and affect enzyme activity due to changes in pH.
- In biological systems, acids play essential roles such as aiding digestion in the stomach.
Review Questions
- What effect does an acid have on the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution?
- How does the pH scale indicate an acidic solution?
- Why are acids important for biological processes?
"Acid" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Related terms
Base: A substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) and has a pH greater than 7.
pH Scale: A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution.
Buffer: A solution that resists changes in pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.
