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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Acidity and Basicity?

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The main difference between acidity and basicity lies in the ions they produce and their effects on the pH of aqueous solutions:

  • Acidity:
  • Acidity refers to the level of acid in substances.
  • Acids can release hydrogen ions (H+) in aqueous solutions, causing a low pH.
  • The acidity of a compound is measured as the pH of the compound, which ranges from 1 to 14. A low pH value indicates a higher acidity.
  • Basicity:
  • Basicity refers to the state of being a base, which can release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions.
  • Bases can release hydroxide ions (OH-) in aqueous solutions, causing a high pH.
  • The basicity of a compound is also measured as the pH of the compound, ranging from 1 to 14. A high pH value indicates a higher basicity.

In summary, acidity and basicity are properties of substances that indicate their ability to release hydrogen ions (acidity) or hydroxide ions (basicity) in aqueous solutions. These properties affect the pH of the solutions, with acidic conditions resulting in low pH values and basic conditions resulting in high pH values.

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  • What is the Difference Between Acidity and Basicity?
  • Comparative Table: Acidity vs Basicity

    • Comparative Table: Acidity vs Basicity

    Acidity and basicity are fundamental properties of substances that affect their pH, electrical conductivity, and reactivity. Here is a table summarizing the differences between acidity and basicity:

    Property Acidity Basicity
    Definition Acidity refers to the level of acid in a substance, or its ability to donate hydrogen ions (protons) to another substance. Basicity refers to the state of being a base, or its ability to release hydroxide ions (OH-).
    pH Range Acids have a pH value less than 7. Bases have a pH value greater than 7.
    Conjugate Bases Conjugate bases are formed when acids donate their hydrogen ions. Conjugate bases are formed when bases accept hydrogen ions.
    Periodic Trends The acidity of elements in the same group increases as the size of the atom increases. Acidity increases from left to right across a period in the periodic table. Basicity, like electronegativity, increases as we move up the column of the periodic table. Similarly, basicity can be influenced by the position of an element in the periodic table.

    Understanding the structural effects on acidity and basicity can help predict the behavior of substances in various chemical reactions.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.