AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Bases are another group of compounds that can be identified by their common properties. A base tastes bitter, feels slippery, and turns red litmus paper blue. The properties of bases are often described as the “opposite” of acids.

Detailed explanation-2: -Bases are bitter-tasting substances which have the ability to turn red litmus paper blue. Examples: Sodium hydroxide [NaOH], milk of magnesia [Mg(OH)2], calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2].

Detailed explanation-3: -Contrasting properties of acids and Alkalis Acids give off H+ (Hydrogen) ions in water; bases give off OH-(Hydroxide) ions in water. Acids generally taste sour due to the sour H+ ion; bases taste bitter due to the OH-ion; but they may have other tastes depending on the other part of the molecule.

Detailed explanation-4: -Acids are chemical substances which are characterized by a sour taste in an aqueous medium. They have the tendency to turn blue litmus red. On the other hand, bases are chemical substances which are characterized by a bitter taste and are slippery to touch.

Detailed explanation-5: -Bases are the opposite of acids; they normally taste bitter and feel soapy. Lots of washing powders are bases ( WARNING: Do not taste these! ). Another word for a base is an alkali and we say that bases are alkaline compounds.