Acids and Bases

Acids and BasesTo complete this worksheet, select: Module: Foundations Activity: Animations Title: Acids and Bases Acids and Bases1. Explain what makes a solution acidic. hydrogen ion –When the concentration of hydrogen ions is greater than the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution. The greater the number of hydrogen ions in a solution, the greater the acidity of the solution. 2. Explain what makes a solution basic or alkaline. hydroxide ion – When the concentration of hydroxide ions is greater than the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The greater the number of hydroxide ions (OH) in a solution, the greater the alkalinity of the solution. The pH Scale 3. a. Explain the pH scale. A measurement of a solution’s acidity and alkalinity based on the logarithmic concentration of hydrogen ions. The scale ranges from 0 to 14. acidic range -0 – 6.9 neutral – 7.0 alkaline range – 7.1 - 14 b. Describe the pH range of body fluids as examined by the CD. 7.35-7.45Strong Acids4. What are the functions of hydrochloric acid (a strong acid) in the body? HCl is used to counteract the action of strong bases in the body.When combined with a strong base, water and salts are formed. - - Weak Acids5. a. What is the function of carbonic acid (a weak acid) in the body? Carbonic acid is converted to hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions, both of which can serve as a buffering system. Buffers6. a. Describe a system buffered with carbonic acid.  The respiratory system is buffered with carbonic acid by forming bicarbonate which balances a change in pH at the cellular level. b. Describe the protective value of buffers.These convert strong acids or strong bases into weak acids and weak bases.