Fundamental Acid-Base Concepts

This page introduces the core principles of acid-base chemistry and their behavior in aqueous solutions. The content explores the fundamental definitions and relationships between acids and bases.

Definition: An acid is a chemical species capable of donating a hydrogen ion (H+), while a base is a chemical species capable of accepting a hydrogen ion.

Vocabulary: Amphoteric - A substance that can act as both an acid and base, like water (H₂O).

Example: The acid-base couple CH₃-COOH/CH₃-COO⁻ demonstrates the transfer of H+ ions in solution.

Highlight: The pH of an aqueous solution is calculated using the formula pH = -log([H₃O+]), where [H₃O+] represents the concentration of hydronium ions in mol/L.

Quote: "Une solution tampon est une solution dont le pH varie peu par dilution ou par ajout d'acide ou de base" (A buffer solution is a solution whose pH changes little upon dilution or addition of acid or base).