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Describe in detail the characteristics of an acid and a base. Then, relate these terms to a description of the pH scale and to an explanation of how buffers work in living organisms. Why are buffers so important in organisms?

User Ciado
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1. Characteristics of Acid and base.

• acids ,are sour/tart, feel like water, may sting when touched, react strongly with metals, conduct electricity since they ionize in solutions, and turn blue litmus paper red.

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• Bases, are bitter, slippery and smooth, do not react with metals usually, conduct electricity, and turn red litmus paper blue.

2. How do Acids and base relate to pH scale .

Acids →When H+ ions dissociates in a solution, acids area created

→pHs of less than 7 indicate acidity,

Base →Bases are created from the dissociation of OH− in solution.

→ pH of greater than 7 indicates a base

3. How buffers work in living organisms and their importance.

• Buffer is a chemical substance that maintains the pH of living organisms.

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• This means that they are able to resist certain changes in the body's pH level ( ,for example...if there is a sudden addition of acid/base in the body, they are able tomaintain stable internal invironment)

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• Therefore, buffers are necessary for survival of living cells.

User Nine Magics
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