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What are Acids?

Substances that taste sour are mostly acids.

For example, the taste of lemon is sour as it contains acid. They turn blue litmus paper red.

Lemon contains acid            Acid turns blue litmus paper red

Based on their occurrence, they are divided into two types:

• Natural acids – They are obtained from natural sources and are also called Organic acids.

For example, citric acid which we get from citrus fruits like kiwi, strawberry, etc.

• Mineral acids – They are acids that are prepared using minerals and so they are also known as Man-made acids or Inorganic acids.

For example, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, etc.

Natural Acids   Mineral Acid

What are Bases?

Bitter tasting substances are mostly bases. They turn red litmus paper blue.

For example, Sodium carbonate (washing soda), lime (Calcium Oxide), etc.

Bases                                                                                Washing Soda and Lime