Answer: The current common definition of an acid and a base is based upon how the substance releases or attracts hydrogen ions (H+). Acids release H+ ions that can turn neutral molecules into positively charged ions, while bases can attract H+ ions from neutral molecules to produce negatively charged ions.
<u>An acid</u> is usually a corrosive liquid. The pH value of acids ranges from 1-6 (7 = a neutral). Acids neutralize alkalis, dissolve some metals, and turns litmus (a water soluble mixture used to test materials for acidity) red. Acid donates protons or hydrogen ions and/or accepts electrons. Most acids contain a hydrogen atom bond.
<u>A base</u> donates electrons, accepts protons from acids, or releases hydroxide ions in liquids. The pH value of bases ranges from 8-14. Base is any substance that is slippery to the touch in water, tastes bitter, turns red litmus paper blue, and reacts with acids to form salts, and stimulates certain chemical reactions (base catalysis).
The flame test is used to visually determine the identity of an unknown metal or metalloid ion based on the characteristic color the salt turns the flame of a Bunsen burner.
