Virtual Lab Manual
Acids and Bases (Principles):
Avoid falling in a lake of acid!
Synopsis
Watch out! You have discovered a lake on an exoplanet – but is it acidic or basic? You will
surely know by the end of this one! You’ll have the chance to experiment with strong acids
and bases to figure out how to reach a “neutral” pH.
If this simulation seems too “basic” for you, don’t worry as you’ll have the chance to deal
with acids, too. In this simulation, you will learn about pH and pOH by mixing substances to
reach a certain pH and sort various liquids by acidity.
WhaF is Fhє acidiFy of waFєr?
Have Dr. One guide you as you learn the different definitions of acids and bases and get
hands-on experience experimenting with different solutions. Recreate the pH from skin
lotions using only acids and bases and precision pouring techniques.
RєFurn Fo Fhє єxoplanєF
In the Acids and Bases (Principles) simulation, you are taken back to the exoplanet Astakos
IV by accident. Here, you will collect a sample from a highly acidic lake. Your mission is to
compare the sample with everyday solutions found at home, in the kitchen or in your
classroom.
Thє pH of foods
You will briefly dive into the effects of eating certain foods. How will different acidic or
basic foods affect your blood pH? And how do they compare in pH to other types of food?
Learning Objectives
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to…
, ● Understand that acids and bases can be found everywhere
● Understand the logarithmic nature of the pH scale
● Calculate the pH of a strong acid or base
Techniques in Lab
● pH meter
Theory
Acids and basєs
A chemical species is an acid or base, depending on how it reacts in aqueous solution.
According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid (HA) is a species that donates a proton
in aqueous solution. A base (B) is a species that accepts a proton in aqueous solution.
Compare this with Arrhenius definition and Lewis definition.
The ability to accept or donate a proton depends on the chemical structure of the molecule.
The protons (H ⁺) donated by an acid combine with the water molecules to form hydronium
ions (H₃O⁺). A base receives protons from water molecules. The water molecules then
become hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
These two different reactions occur because water is amphoteric - it can either donate or
receive protons.
The pH scale represents how acidic or basic a substance is.
It is important to note that acids and bases, especially strong ones, can corrode metals and
burn human skin.
Importance of acids and bases
In our bodies, in our homes, and in our industrial society, acids and bases play key roles.
Proteins, enzymes, blood, genetic material, and other components of living matter contain
both acids and bases.
We seem to like the sour taste of acids; we add them to soft drinks, salad dressings, and
spices. Many foods, including citrus fruits and some vegetables, contain acids.
We perceive bases as bitter and slippery. Therefore, foods with a high pH are not common.
Acids and Bases (Principles):
Avoid falling in a lake of acid!
Synopsis
Watch out! You have discovered a lake on an exoplanet – but is it acidic or basic? You will
surely know by the end of this one! You’ll have the chance to experiment with strong acids
and bases to figure out how to reach a “neutral” pH.
If this simulation seems too “basic” for you, don’t worry as you’ll have the chance to deal
with acids, too. In this simulation, you will learn about pH and pOH by mixing substances to
reach a certain pH and sort various liquids by acidity.
WhaF is Fhє acidiFy of waFєr?
Have Dr. One guide you as you learn the different definitions of acids and bases and get
hands-on experience experimenting with different solutions. Recreate the pH from skin
lotions using only acids and bases and precision pouring techniques.
RєFurn Fo Fhє єxoplanєF
In the Acids and Bases (Principles) simulation, you are taken back to the exoplanet Astakos
IV by accident. Here, you will collect a sample from a highly acidic lake. Your mission is to
compare the sample with everyday solutions found at home, in the kitchen or in your
classroom.
Thє pH of foods
You will briefly dive into the effects of eating certain foods. How will different acidic or
basic foods affect your blood pH? And how do they compare in pH to other types of food?
Learning Objectives
At the end of this simulation, you will be able to…
, ● Understand that acids and bases can be found everywhere
● Understand the logarithmic nature of the pH scale
● Calculate the pH of a strong acid or base
Techniques in Lab
● pH meter
Theory
Acids and basєs
A chemical species is an acid or base, depending on how it reacts in aqueous solution.
According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, an acid (HA) is a species that donates a proton
in aqueous solution. A base (B) is a species that accepts a proton in aqueous solution.
Compare this with Arrhenius definition and Lewis definition.
The ability to accept or donate a proton depends on the chemical structure of the molecule.
The protons (H ⁺) donated by an acid combine with the water molecules to form hydronium
ions (H₃O⁺). A base receives protons from water molecules. The water molecules then
become hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
These two different reactions occur because water is amphoteric - it can either donate or
receive protons.
The pH scale represents how acidic or basic a substance is.
It is important to note that acids and bases, especially strong ones, can corrode metals and
burn human skin.
Importance of acids and bases
In our bodies, in our homes, and in our industrial society, acids and bases play key roles.
Proteins, enzymes, blood, genetic material, and other components of living matter contain
both acids and bases.
We seem to like the sour taste of acids; we add them to soft drinks, salad dressings, and
spices. Many foods, including citrus fruits and some vegetables, contain acids.
We perceive bases as bitter and slippery. Therefore, foods with a high pH are not common.
