Science Common Sense

1044 - What is the difference between an acid and a base?

Imagine a lemon and a soap bar.

• An acid (like the lemon) is something that can make things feel sour or sharp. It can also corrode or break down things like metal.
• A base (like the soap bar) is something that feels slippery and helps to neutralize or balance the acids.

In science, acids have more hydrogen particles, and bases have more particles that can catch those extra hydrogen particles. When acids and bases mix, they create a balance, which is called neutral.

So, to sum it up: acids are sour and corrosive, and bases are slippery and balancing.