ACIDS, BASES AND SALTS (PART 2)
Acids, Bases, and Salts are fundamental concepts in chemistry, essential for understanding chemical reactions and properties of substances. Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) in aqueous solutions and typically have a sour taste, such as citric acid in lemons. Bases, on the other hand, release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in solution and often feel slippery, like soap. The reaction between an acid and a base, called neutralization, produces a salt and water. Salts are ionic compounds formed from the positive ion of a base and the negative ion of an acid, such as sodium chloride (NaCl). These compounds play vital roles in daily life and industrial processes, from preserving food to manufacturing chemicals.