What distinguishes an acidic solution from a basic solution?

Question

I'm looking through my textbook and I can only find the formulas for for the two, no characteristics. Thanks alot.

Answer 1

The pH...which more specifically is determined by the concentration of free H+ ions in solution. See this link for more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PH

Answer 2

What Is An Acidic Solution

Answer 3

An acid (often represented by the generic formula HA) is traditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a pH less than 7.0. That approximates the modern definition of Johannes Nicolaus Brønsted and Martin Lowry, who independently defined an acid as a compound which donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to another compound (called a base). Common examples include acetic acid (in vinegar) and sulfuric acid (used in car batteries). Acid/base systems are different from redox reactions in that there is no change in oxidation state. Generally, acids have the following properties:
Taste: Acids generally have a sour taste
Touch: Strong or concentrated acids often produce a stinging feeling on mucous membranes
Reactivity: Strong acids react aggressively with or corrode many metals
Electrical conductivity: Acids, while not usually ionic compounds, are electrolytes
Acids turn moist blue litmus paper red
In chemistry, a base is most commonly thought of as a substance that can accept protons. This refers to the Brønsted-Lowry theory of acids and bases. Alternate definitions of bases include electron pair donors (Lewis), and as sources of hydroxide anions (Arrhenius). Examples of simple bases are sodium hydroxide and ammonia.

Bases can be thought of as the chemical opposite of acids. A reaction between an acid and base is called neutralization. Bases and acids are seen as opposites because the effect of an acid is to increase the hydronium ion (H3O+) concentration in water, whereas bases reduce this concentration. Bases react with acids to produce water and salts (or their solutions). Some general properties of bases include:
Taste: Bitter taste (opposed to sour taste of acids and sweetness of aldehydes and ketones)
Touch: Slimy or soapy feel on fingers
Reactivity: Caustic on organic matter, react violently with acidic substances
Electric conductivity: Aqueous solutions or molten bases dissociate in ions and conduct electricity
Bases turn red litmus paper blue

Answer 4

ok on an identical time because it is actual that acid would have H+ and effortless strategies would have OH- yet your question nonetheless continues to be how can we distinguish between them. properly once you're takin approximately an observable technique of distinguishing wager. them, then you truly can use litmus paper. Litmus paper is blue in effortless strategies and purple an acidic strategies.

Answer 5

pH for the acidic solution will be lower, basic solution will be higher.

Acidic solution will turn litmus paper red, basic solution will turn it blue.

Basic solution will most likely feel soapy, whereas the acidic will not.

Answer 6

basic solution have high pH meaning that they dont give off alot of H ions..acids have low pH b.c they give off alot if H+....acids are typically sour.....some say bases are bitter....

Answer 7

pH, acids have pH levels below 7 and bases have pH levels greater than 7. Acids are hydrogen donors and bases are hydrogen acceptors

Answer 8

the pH