Science Common Sense
1755 - How are acids and bases named?
Acids and bases have special names. Here's a simple way to understand them:
Acids: 1. If an acid starts with 'hydro-', its name comes from the anion (the negative ion) it's made from. Example: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) comes from chloride. 2. If an acid starts with a different name, its name usually comes from the element it's made from. Example: Sulfuric acid comes from sulfur.
Bases: 1. Bases are usually made with the suffix '-hydroxide'. Example: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).
Some examples:
- Acid: Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- Base: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
- Acid: Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
- Base: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)