Uses of Acids, Bases, and Salts
Acids, bases, and salts appear in many places around us. For example, they help in medicine, farming, factories, homes, and nature. Below, you will find clear examples and simple uses. Also, each item uses short sentences to improve readability.Uses of Acids, Bases, and Salts
Uses of Acids
- Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄): Farmers add it to make fertilizers. Car batteries need it to store and release energy. Also, factories use it to remove water during some processes.
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): Metal shops clean rust and scale with this acid. Tanners use it when they process leather. In addition, pool operators add small amounts to balance pH.
- Nitric Acid (HNO₃): Fertilizer makers make ammonium nitrate from it. Explosive manufacturers use it in certain compounds. Moreover, dye makers use it when producing colors.
- Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH): Food producers use it in vinegar and food preservation. Textile makers apply it when they produce some synthetic fibers. Also, cleaners use it for mild descaling.
- Citric Acid: Citrus fruits contain this acid naturally. Beverage makers add it for bright flavor. In addition, many cleaners use it because it removes lime deposits.
Uses of Bases
- Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH): Soap makers use lye (NaOH) to turn fat into soap. Paper mills use it in pulping and recycling. Also, refineries apply it during oil processing.
- Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂): Farmers spread slaked lime to lower soil acidity. Builders use it for whitewash and plaster. In addition, sugar factories use it in refining steps.
- Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₄OH): Cleaners include it to cut through grease. Textile mills use it during dyeing and finishing. Also, food processors use dilute solutions for cleaning.
- Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): Hospitals and homes use it as an antacid and mild laxative. Therefore, many people keep it in first-aid kits.
- Aluminum Hydroxide: Water treatment plants add it to remove impurities. Manufacturers also add it to some plastics to slow burning.
Uses of Salts
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl): Households use it for cooking and seasoning. Chefs also use it to preserve some foods. Additionally, chemical plants use it as a raw material.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃): Bakers use baking soda to make cakes and breads rise. Fire extinguishers contain it for small grease fires. Also, people use it as a mild cleaner and antacid.
- Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): You find it in chalk, marble, and limestone. Cement makers use it to produce concrete. Farmers add it to soil to reduce acidity.
- Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃): Farmers include it in some fertilizers. Fireworks makers use it to help burn and create effects. Historically, people used it in gunpowder.
- Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃): Many farmers rely on this high-nitrogen fertilizer. However, it can be hazardous if handled improperly, so safety matters.
- Washing Soda (Na₂CO₃): Laundry makers add it to soften hard water and boost detergents. Also, home cleaners use it to remove heavy stains.
Quick Overview Table
| Compound | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| HCl | Acid | Clean metal surfaces; leather processing |
| NaOH | Base | Make soap and detergents; paper processing |
| NaCl | Salt | Cooking, food preservation, chemical feedstock |
Quiz: Uses of Acids, Bases, and Salts
Q1: Which acid is used in car batteries?
A) Nitric Acid B) Hydrochloric Acid C) Sulfuric Acid D) Acetic Acid
Answer: C) Sulfuric Acid Explanation: Lead-acid car batteries rely on sulfuric acid to store and release electrical energy.
Q2: Which of the following is a main use of sodium hydroxide?
A) Soft drink production B) Making gunpowder C) Soap and detergent manufacture D) Deodorant ingredient
Answer: C) Soap and detergent manufacture Explanation: Soap makers add sodium hydroxide (lye) to fats to make soap through saponification.
Q3: Sodium bicarbonate commonly goes by:
A) Baking soda B) Table salt C) Washing soda D) Caustic soda
Answer: A) Baking soda Explanation: Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps cakes rise and also works as a mild cleaner and antacid.
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl): People use it as table salt for flavoring. Moreover, industries apply it in food preservation. Learn more
