Railway Science (Chemistry-Acid ,Bases and Salt) (Part-III)

(It is also known as formic acid). It is responsible for the sharp pain and irritation caused by the sting. Acids and sources : Benzoic acid (Cranberries, Prunes, and Plums), Citric Acid (Lemon, Orange), Malic Acid (Apple), Tartaric Acid (Grapes, Pineapples, Potatoes, Carrots).

Neutralization: This specifically refers to a chemical reaction between an acid and a base, resulting in the formation of a salt and water. Neutralization reaction also decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+ ) in a solution.

Some pH value examples: Gastric acid (1.5 -2.0), Lemon juice (2.2), blood (7.4), Milk of magnesia (10.5).

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral oxide. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced during the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), Sulfur trioxide (SO₃), and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) are acidic oxides.

Benzoic acid formula - C₆H₅COOH. Usages - making other chemicals, in perfumes and flavorings, and as a food preservative and antifungal agent. Formic acid (HCOOH or HCO₂H) is the simplest carboxylic acid, containing a single carbon.
Usages - as preservative and antibacterial agent in livestock feed. Oxalic acid formula - C₂H₂O₄ or (COOH)₂ . Usages - Oxalic acid is used as a cleaning agent, a bleaching agent, and a rust remover. Hydrofluoric acid - solution of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in water. Usages - To etch glass, metal and silicon compounds.

Basic solution - an aqueous solution containing more (OH-) ions than (H+) ions. Properties - Has a range of pH (7-14) and changes red litmus paper to blue. Examples - Potassium hydroxide (KOH), Sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Acidic solution has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than water. Examples - Vinegar, citric acids, black coffee. pH - below 7. Neutral solution is a solution which is neither acidic nor basic. It has a pH value of 7. It will have an equal amount of( H+) and (OH-) ions in it.

General Properties of Acids and Bases:- Acids are sour in taste and change the color of blue litmus to red, whereas, Bases are bitter and change the color of the red litmus to blue. Acids when dissolved in water release hydrogen ions,
H⁺ (aq). When dissolved, bases release hydroxide ions, OH⁻ (aq).

Na₂O (also known as Sodium oxide). It is the anhydride form of the chemical compound sodium hydroxide. In the presence of air, sodium burns brightly and emits a bright white light. It decomposes into a white powder known as sodium oxide. Used in: Glass Manufacturing.

An acid or base's strength refers to its degree of ionization. A strong acid will completely ionize in water while a weak acid will only partially ionize. Since there are different degrees of ionization, there are different levels of weakness.