Properties of Bases - Reactions with Acids & Salts
Chemistry: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 7.1.7
Properties of Bases: Reactions with Acids and Ammonium Salts
Bases neutralize acids (forming salt & water) and react with ammonium salts to release ammonia gas. They are often soapy or bitter and form alkaline solutions.
What are bases?
- Bases are substances that can neutralise acids.
- Bases often feel soapy and taste bitter.
- Bases can dissolve in water to form alkaline solutions.
Bases react with acids
- Bases react with acids to form salt and water.
- This reaction is called neutralisation.
- For example, sodium hydroxide reacts with hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride and water.
- Neutralisation helps to balance pH in chemical reactions.
Equation for neutralisation
- Example: NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O
- Here, NaOH is the base, HCl is the acid.
- Their reaction produces salt (NaCl) and water (H2O).
- This reaction is a key property of bases.
Bases react with ammonium salts
- Bases react with ammonium salts to release ammonia gas.
- For example, sodium hydroxide reacts with ammonium chloride.
- The base removes ammonia gas (NH3) from the salt.
- This reaction shows that bases can break down ammonium salts.
Equation for reaction with ammonium salts
- Example: NH4Cl + NaOH → NH3 + NaCl + H2O- NH4Cl is an ammonium salt, NaOH is a base.
- The reaction produces ammonia gas (NH3), salt (NaCl), and water.
- This property helps in identifying ammonium compounds.
Test yourself on Properties of Bases - Reactions with Acids & Salts
What specific gas is released when a base reacts with an ammonium salt?
What is a defining characteristic of a base?