Chemistry: Acids and Bases

An acid is a solution that has an excess of hydrogen(H+) ions. A base is a solution that has an excess of hydroxide(OH-) ions. Another word for base is alkali. The strength of an acid or base can be either strong or weak.

* An acid that has a very low pH (0-4) are known as Strong acids.
* A base that has a very high pH (10-14) are known as Strong bases.
* An acid that only partially ionizes in an aqueous solution are known as Weak acids.
* A base that only partially ionizes in an aqueous solution are known as Weak bases.