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Science Class 10 - Acids Notes

Comprehensive study notes for Class 10 - Acids olympiad preparation

Acids

Welcome to the chapter on Acids for Class 10. In this chapter, you will learn what acids are, their properties, types, uses, and how they react with other substances. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify acids, understand their importance in daily life, and solve problems related to acids in chemistry.

Introduction

Acids are substances that have a sour taste and turn blue litmus paper red. They are found in many foods and are used in laboratories and industries. Acids play an important role in chemistry and our daily life.

Properties of Acids

  • Have a sour taste (e.g., lemon juice, vinegar).
  • Turn blue litmus paper red.
  • React with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
  • React with bases to form salt and water (neutralization).
  • Conduct electricity in aqueous solution.

Types of Acids

  • Mineral Acids: Made from minerals. Examples: Hydrochloric acid (HCl), Sulphuric acid (H2SO4), Nitric acid (HNO3).
  • Organic Acids: Found in plants and animals. Examples: Acetic acid (vinegar), Citric acid (lemons), Lactic acid (curd).

Strong and Weak Acids

  • Strong Acids: Completely ionize in water (e.g., HCl, H2SO4).
  • Weak Acids: Partially ionize in water (e.g., acetic acid, citric acid).

Uses of Acids

  • Used in car batteries (sulphuric acid).
  • Used in making fertilizers, medicines, and cleaning agents.
  • Used in food (citric acid in lemons, acetic acid in vinegar).
  • Used in laboratories for experiments.

Reactions of Acids

  • With Metals: Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen gas
  • With Bases: Acid + Base → Salt + Water (Neutralization)
  • With Carbonates: Acid + Carbonate → Salt + Water + Carbon dioxide

Safety with Acids

  • Handle acids with care. They can burn skin and damage eyes.
  • Always add acid to water, not water to acid.
  • Wear gloves and safety goggles in the laboratory.

Fun Activity: Test for Acids at Home

Taste a lemon or vinegar (with permission). Notice the sour taste—this is because of the acid present in them!

Summary

  • Acids are sour, turn blue litmus red, and react with metals and bases.
  • There are mineral acids and organic acids.
  • Acids are used in many industries and in our daily life.
  • Handle acids safely in the laboratory.

Practice Questions

  1. Name two properties of acids.
  2. Give two examples of organic acids.
  3. What happens when an acid reacts with a metal?
  4. Why should you handle acids carefully?
  5. What is neutralization?

Challenge Yourself

  • List three uses of acids in daily life.
  • Write the reaction of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide.

Did You Know?

  • The acid in your stomach is hydrochloric acid (HCl) and helps in digestion!
  • Ants inject formic acid when they bite.

Glossary

  • Acid: A substance that tastes sour and turns blue litmus red.
  • Neutralization: Reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water.
  • Litmus: A dye used to test for acids and bases.
  • Ionize: To split into ions in water.

Answers to Practice Questions

  1. Sour taste, turn blue litmus red (any two properties).
  2. Citric acid (lemons), acetic acid (vinegar).
  3. It produces salt and hydrogen gas.
  4. Because acids can burn skin and are dangerous if not handled properly.
  5. Neutralization is the reaction between an acid and a base to form salt and water.

Acids are important in chemistry and daily life—use them wisely and safely!

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