SECTION 1.2

Acids and Bases

• Acids

– Corrosive (burns your skin)

– Sour taste

– Release Hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water

• Bases

– Bitter taste

– Slippery or soapy feel

– Release Hydroxide (OH-) ions when dissolved in water

Some Examples

Acid Rain

• What is acid rain?

– Gases are produced when fossil fuels are burned. Most of these gases are blown into the sky. When certain gases (such as sulfur dioxide) mix with water vapour, they form an acid.

Where does this most common? Why do you think this is?

Effects of Acid Rain on a Lake

• http://www.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.life.oate.acidlake/acid-lake/

Other Ways Acid Gets into the Environment

• Acid Spring Shock – In the winter, acid rain falls as snow. As the snow

melts in the Spring, the acid is released into the ground and water.

• Industry – Emissions from burning fossil fules lead to acid rain – Water runoff (especially those containing phosphates)

or leaking tailings ponds

• Cities/Towns – Emissions from building/vehicles can cause acid rain – Improperly treated sewage or disposed of garbage