Where are Acids and Bases?
After learning about acids and bases how do we determine the difference between the two in an equation?
- On a periodic table group 1 and group 2 hydroxides (OH) are alkalis. Metal + hydroxide = alkalis
- Group 1 and group 2 oxides are bases (O). Metal + Oxide = base
- All non-metal oxides on the right side of the periodic table are acidic (O). Non-metal + Oxides = acids
Here's an example:
- Is CaO an acid or a base?
- We would first look to see where Ca is on the periodic table. Ca is in group 2 and since we know that metal + oxide = base, this means that Ca + O= base
- CaO would then be considered a base