Acids and Bases in Daily Life

Acids and bases are two important types of chemicals. You use them every day without even knowing it. Lemon juice and vinegar are acids. Soap and baking soda are bases. When acids and bases mix together, they react and can cancel each other out.

Acids Around You

Acids usually taste sour. Lemons, oranges, and vinegar all contain acids. Your stomach uses a strong acid to break down food. Acids can be weak like the citric acid in fruit or strong like battery acid. Strong acids can be dangerous and should never be touched.

Bases Around You

Bases usually feel slippery and taste bitter. Soap, toothpaste, and baking soda are bases. Bases help clean things by breaking down grease and dirt. When you mix an acid and a base, they neutralize each other. This reaction often produces water and a salt.

Fun Facts

• Red cabbage juice changes color depending on whether you add an acid or a base to it.
• Your blood is slightly basic, with a pH of about 7.4.
• Ant stings are acidic, which is why baking soda, a base, can help soothe the sting.

Did You Know?

You can make your own pH indicator at home by boiling red cabbage and using the purple juice. Add lemon juice and it turns pink. Add baking soda and it turns blue or green!