Acids and bases are important to us as we rely heavily on them in many aspects. Below are 10 uses of acid and base.
Acid
Hydrochloric acid
1) It is produced by the stomach as part of gastric acid to help digestion. Its key role is in digestion of proteins, by activating digestive enzymes and making ingested proteins unravel so that digestive enzymes break down the long chains of animo acids.
Carbonic acid
2) It is used in pH control of blood. It plays the role of an weak acid in a buffer. For more info on importance of buffer, click here.
Nitric acid
3) It is used in fertilisation production. Nitric acid is one of the reactant used, together with ammonia, in a neutralisation reaction to produce ammonium nitrate.
Sulphuric acid
4) It is used in petroleum refining, as a catalyst for the reaction of isobutane with isobutylene to give isooctane, a compound that raises the octane rating of gasoline.
Acetyl salicylic acid
5) It is also known as aspirin which is used as a medicine to relieve muscle pains and aches.
Bases
Calcium hydroxide
6) It is used as a clarifying agent in sewage treatment. It forms a fluffy charged solid that helps in the removal of smaller particles from water, resulting in a clearer product.
Sodium hydroxide
7) It is used in manufacturing of soaps. As an ingredient in soap making process, sodium hydroxide is mixed with fats and oils produce a chemical reaction called saponification.
Aluminium hydroxide
8)It is used in fire extinguisher as a fire retardant filler for polymer application. It helps to absorb a fair amount of heat and releases water vapour when it decomposes.
Potassium hydroxide
9) It is used as an electrolyte in alkaline batteries.
Ammonia
10) It is used as a general purpose cleaner for many surfaces, e.g. glass, steel, etc.
References:
Content:
http://justinhealth.com/5-signs-you-have-low-stomach-acid/
http://bio1100.nicerweb.com/Locked/media/ch02/buffer.html
http://www.chemchina.com.cn/haohuaen/cpyfw/gscp/mhgcp/webinfo/2011/12/1324026673034680.htm
http://rrsilicate.com/sulphric-acid.html
http://www.drugs.com/ppa/aspirin-acetylsalicylic-acid-asa.html
http://www.myworldhut.com/products/Calcium-Hydroxide-Hydrated-Lime-Powder-Food%252dGrade-FCC-Kosher-Bulk.html
http://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/idascorner/soap/is-there-lye-in-your-soap-wont-it-harm-my-skin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher
http://universalwastedisposal.com/batteries.html
http://www.ssunlimited.net/products/solid-surfaces/solid-surface-care-maintenance/
Pictures:
http://justinhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/stomach-acid-reflux.jpg
http://bio1100.nicerweb.com/Locked/media/ch02/02_14.jpg
http://tajagroproducts.com/Fertlizes%20and%20chemicals/fertilizer_13-13-13.jpg
http://www.catalysts.basf.com/p02/USWeb-Internet/en_GB/function/conversions:/publish/content/microsites/catalysts/prods-inds/process-catalysts/images/sulfuric-acid.gif
http://firstaidsupplystores.com/wp-content/uploads/Aspirin-Acetylsalicylic-Acid-Tablets-100s.jpg
http://pimg.tradeindia.com/01226704/b/1/Sewage-Treatment-Plant.jpg
http://cdn-write.demandstudios.com/upload//8000/300/70/1/88371.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/FireExtinguisherABC.jpg
http://universalwastedisposal.com/images/Alkaline_Battery.jpg
http://www.dobmeierjanitorialsupplies.com/assets/product-images/ARM-HAMMER-CDC84856.jpg