What are some examples of acids and bases?

Acids in food such as vinegar (acetic acid), soda water (carbonic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid) are weak acids. Some acids can lose more than one proton. For example, carbonic acid can lose two protons, while citric and phosphoric acids can lose three. Bases, called alkalis if an OH- is involved, accept protons. read more

Some common examples of acids are hydrosulfuric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, hydroiodic and hydrofluoric acid, while some common bases are calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The acidity or basicity of a substance is measured on the pH scale. read more

Other household substances that are acidic include soda (carbonic acid), fruit (ascorbic acid), citrus (citric acid), tea, wine (tannic acid) and grapes (tartaric acid). Both fresh milk and sour milk contain lactic acid, which gives the substances a low pH value. Likewise, eggs, borax and distilled water are bases with pH values over seven. read more