Difference Between Acid and Alkaline

The main difference between acid and alkaline is that acid has a low pH below 7 while alkaline has a high pH above 7.

Acid vs alkaline

Acid is a chemical that has a low pH that is below pH 7, while alkaline solution is a chemical that has a high pH that is above pH 7. An acid solution is made up of H+ ions, while the alkaline solution is composed of OH- ions. Acid tastes bitter where alkaline solution tastes bitter. The texture of the acid is sticky; on the other hand, alkaline ones are slippery in texture. Bases can neutralize an acid; on the contrary, the acid can neutralize the alkaline solution. The acid rests on the concentration of hydronium ions; conversely, alkaline depends on the concentration of hydroxide ions. Phenolphthalein in acid solution remains colorless, while phenolphthalein in alkaline solution makes it pink. Acid turns litmus paper red, while alkaline turns litmus paper blue. The acid is frequently used as an electrolyte in batteries, to remove rust from metals, to produce fertilizers, for mineral processing; On the other hand, alkalis are mainly used in cleaning as a laundry detergent, as a dishwasher, and as a stain remover. Some common examples of the acid include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid, etc., while the examples of alkali include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. for mineral processing; On the other hand, alkalis are mainly used in cleaning as a laundry detergent, as a dishwasher, and as a stain remover. Some common examples of the acid include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid, etc., while the examples of alkali include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide. for mineral processing; On the other hand, alkalis are mainly used in cleaning as a laundry detergent, as a dishwasher, and as a stain remover. Some common examples of the acid include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid, etc., while the examples of alkali include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.

Comparison chart

According to the Arrhenius definition, “an acid is a chemical species which when dissolved in water gives hydrogen ions in a solution of greater activity than in pure water.” Bronstein Lowry defines an acid as a substance that donates a proton. The acid has a low pH which is below pH 7. It has a bitter taste. The acid, depending on the temperature, can be in solid, liquid and gaseous form. It is a chemical species that can be neutralized by a base. In an aqueous solution, they are capable of releasing protons or H + ions. Compounds that can accept electrons from a donor are often referred to as Lewis acids. Lewis acid means that some compounds that do not contain H+ ions are also considered to be acids. For example, aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) is a Lewis acid. The acid turns the litmus paper red. Many acids react with metals as they have a corrosive effect on them, forming hydrogen gas (H2) and a salt. Phenolphthalein in acid solution remains colorless. The acid rests on the concentration of hydronium ions. The acid is frequently used as an electrolyte in batteries, to remove rust from metals, to produce fertilizers and gasoline, for mineral processing, and as additives in foods and beverages.

Types

• Strong acids: that can completely dissociate into their ions.
• Weak acids: that partially dissociate into their ions.

examples

Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid and citric acid.

According to the Arrhenius definition, “an alkaline is an aqueous substance that can accept hydrogen ions.” Bronstein Lowry also defines alkaline as any substance that accepts a proton. Alkaline has a high pH which is above pH 7. It means that alkaline solutions show basic properties due to high pH. So the acid can neutralize the alkaline solution. It has a bitter taste. By texture, the alkaline ones are slippery due to the reaction of the alkaline ones with the oils of our hand. Some alkali solids, except ammonia, are gas. When alkali dissolves in water, an alkaline solution is formed. Alkali refers to an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt.

The word alkaline is derived from the group 1 and group 2 metallic elements. The elements in group 1 of the periodic table are called alkali metals. Group 2 elements are called alkaline earth metals. Both types of metals, when added to water, cause its pH to rise, due to reaction with water molecules to form metal hydroxide and H2 gas. This metal hydroxide increases the pH of the solution; meanwhile, the concentration of OH- ions increases. Due to the basicity indication of the alkaline solution, it turns red litmus paper blue. Some are corrosive, but some alkaline solutions are not.

examples

Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide.

Key differences

1. Acid is a chemical species that has a low pH below seven while alkaline solution is a chemical that has a high pH above 7.
2. An acidic solution is made up of H+ ions while alkaline solution is made up of OH- ions.
3. Acid tastes bitter where alkaline solution tastes bitter.
4. The texture of the acid is sticky; on the other hand, alkaline ones are slippery in texture.
5. Bases can neutralize an acid; on the contrary, the acid can neutralize the alkaline solution.
6. The acid rests on the concentration of hydronium ions; on the contrary, the alkaline depends on the concentration of hydroxide ions.
7. Phenolphthalein in acid solution remains colorless, while phenolphthalein in alkaline solution makes it pink.
8. Acid turns litmus paper red, while alkaline turns litmus paper blue.
9. Acid is frequently used as an electrolyte in batteries, to remove rust from metals, to produce fertilizers, for mineral processing; On the other hand, alkalis are mainly used in cleaning as a laundry detergent, as a dishwasher, and as a stain remover.
10. Some common examples of the acid include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid, etc., while the examples of alkali include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide.