acids and bases?

Question

how can I tell something is basic or acidic just by looking at its formula

Answer 1

One good clue would be the ion you get from it - strong acids usually have an H+ ion (HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, etc.), while bases usually go with the equally stylish but more expensive OH- ion (NH4OH, NaOH, etc.). Of course, that's why acids and bases can neutralize each other - mix them and you get a salt and water (H+OH-)