Acid vs. Alkaline: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 18, 2023
Acid is a substance that donates protons or H+ ions; alkaline refers to a base that can accept H+ ions and has a pH above 7.
Key Differences
An acid is a substance that can donate protons or hydrogen ions, whereas an alkaline substance refers to bases that have the ability to accept these hydrogen ions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
In the pH scale, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, acids have a pH less than 7, while alkaline solutions have a pH greater than 7.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Acids generally taste sour and can turn blue litmus paper red, whereas alkaline substances, on the other hand, often taste bitter and turn red litmus paper blue.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
When acids and alkaline substances combine, they can neutralize each other, producing salt and water as a result.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
In terms of reactivity, strong acids can be corrosive and react violently with certain metals, while strong alkaline solutions can be caustic and harm organic tissue.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Reactivity
Can be corrosive, especially strong acids
Can be caustic, especially strong bases
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
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Acid and Alkaline Definitions
Acid
A substance that donates hydrogen ions.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, giving it a sour taste.
Huma Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Alkaline
A base that can accept hydrogen ions.
Baking soda has alkaline properties, making it useful for neutralizing acid.
Huma Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Acid
A solution that turns blue litmus paper red.
Vinegar turned the blue litmus paper red, confirming it's an acid.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Alkaline
A substance with a pH value above 7.
Soap solutions are typically alkaline in nature.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Acid
A compound with a pH value below 7.
Soda is acidic due to the carbonic acid it contains.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
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Alkaline
A substance that can neutralize acids.
Adding an alkaline substance to acid can help in neutralizing the reaction.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Acid
A substance that can neutralize bases.
Adding an acid to a base can produce salt and water.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Alkaline
A solution that turns red litmus paper blue.
The cleaning solution turned the red litmus paper blue, indicating its alkaline nature.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Acid
A molecule capable of forming covalent bonds with electron pairs.
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid used in various industrial processes.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Alkaline
A term used to describe basic solutions in water.
The water from the spring was alkaline, benefiting certain plants.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Acid
Any of a class of substances whose aqueous solutions are characterized by a sour taste, the ability to turn blue litmus red, and the ability to react with bases and certain metals to form salts.
Sumera Saeed
Aug 20, 2019
FAQs
Can acids conduct electricity?
Yes, when dissolved in water, many acids can conduct electricity.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
How can one identify an alkaline substance using litmus paper?
An alkaline substance will turn red litmus paper blue.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What happens when an acid and an alkaline substance mix?
They can neutralize each other, typically producing salt and water.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What color does red litmus paper turn in an alkaline solution?
In an alkaline solution, red litmus paper turns blue.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
What are the health risks of handling strong alkaline substances?
Strong alkaline substances can be caustic, leading to skin burns or eye damage upon contact.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
What common household substance is an acid?
A common household acid is vinegar.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can acids react with metals?
Yes, many acids can react with metals, releasing hydrogen gas.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What happens to the pH when an alkaline solution is diluted?
When an alkaline solution is diluted, its pH typically decreases but remains above 7.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Is it correct to use the term alkaline interchangeably with basic?
Yes, in the context of pH and solutions, alkaline is often used interchangeably with basic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can acids neutralize alkaline solutions?
Yes, acids can neutralize alkaline solutions, and vice versa.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Are alkaline waters beneficial for health?
While some claim health benefits, there's limited scientific evidence supporting significant benefits of alkaline water.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Can acids and alkaline solutions be found in foods?
Yes, many foods can be acidic (like citrus fruits) or alkaline (like spinach).
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can acids corrode certain materials?
Yes, especially strong acids can corrode certain metals and materials.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
How can alkaline substances benefit health?
Some believe alkaline foods can balance body pH and promote health, but scientific evidence is mixed.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Is vinegar an acid or alkaline?
Vinegar is acidic due to the presence of acetic acid.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Do alkaline batteries contain a basic or acidic electrolyte?
Despite the name, alkaline batteries have a basic (alkaline) electrolyte.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
What is the pH range of alkaline substances?
Alkaline substances have a pH range greater than 7.
Huma Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Are all acids harmful to the skin?
No, not all acids are harmful, but strong acids can cause burns and irritation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Are citrus fruits acidic or alkaline?
Citrus fruits are acidic due to the presence of citric acid.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
