SAT Subject Test in Chemistry

The SAT Subject Test in Chemistry assesses students' understanding of chemical concepts and their ability to apply them in problem-solving.

Atomic StructureChemical BondingStates of Matter & Gas Laws
Chemical EquilibriumAcids, Bases, and pHStoichiometry
Chemistry in MedicineEnvironmental ChemistryHousehold Chemistry
Time Management on the TestSmart Guessing and Elimination
Atomic StructureChemical BondingStates of Matter & G...Chemical EquilibriumAcids, Bases, and pHStoichiometryChemistry in Medicin...Environmental Chemis...Household ChemistryTime Management on t...Smart Guessing and E...
Advanced Topics

Acids, Bases, and pH

Acids and Bases at a Glance

  • Acids donate hydrogen ions (\( H^+ \)) in solution.
  • Bases accept hydrogen ions, often producing hydroxide ions (\( OH^- \)).

The pH Scale

pH measures how acidic or basic a solution is, on a scale from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic). Neutral solutions have a pH of 7.

  • \( \text{pH} = -\log[H^+] \)

Neutralization

When acids and bases mix, they can neutralize each other, often forming water and a salt.

Everyday Chemistry

Stomach acid (HCl) helps digestion, while antacids (bases) help relieve heartburn!

Examples

  • Lemon juice is acidic (pH ~2), while baking soda solution is basic (pH ~9).

  • Mixing vinegar (acid) and baking soda (base) produces fizzing carbon dioxide gas.

In a Nutshell

Acids and bases interact in predictable ways, and pH measures the acidity or basicity of solutions.

Key Terms

Acid
A substance that donates hydrogen ions in solution.
Base
A substance that accepts hydrogen ions or donates hydroxide ions.
pH
A measure of hydrogen ion concentration; indicates acidity or basicity.
Next
Stoichiometry