Explain the differences between acids and bases.

Properties of Acids

• Sour taste (e.g., vinegar, which contains acetic acid)
• Corrosive to metals, releasing hydrogen gas upon reaction
• Change blue litmus paper to red
• Conduct electricity in solution due to the presence of ions
• pH less than 7 in aqueous solution
• Often contain hydrogen (H) that can be released as H⁺ ions

Properties of Bases

• Bitter taste (e.g., baking soda, which contains sodium bicarbonate)
• Feel slippery or soapy (e.g., soap, which is a salt of a fatty acid and a base)
• Change red litmus paper to blue
• Conduct electricity in solution due to the presence of ions
• pH greater than 7 in aqueous solution
• Often contain hydroxide (OH⁻) ions or react with H⁺ to produce OH⁻ ions