Acids, Bases and Salts

Syllabus tag: KCSE | Chemistry | Form 4 | Topic 18 Acids, Bases and Salts

Lesson objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

• Explain the Arrhenius and Brønsted-Lowry theories of acids and bases.
• Distinguish strong from weak acids and bases using conductivity and pH.
• Explain amphoteric behaviour and the effect of solvent on acidity.
• Carry out titrations, choose indicators, and identify cations and anions.

Summary

An acid donates hydrogen ions (protons); a base accepts them — the Brønsted-Lowry definition. Strong acids and bases are fully ionised and conduct well; weak ones are partly ionised. Amphoteric substances react with both acids and alkalis. Indicator choice depends on the strengths of the acid and base being titrated.