Acids and Bases in Daily Life

📚 Key Concepts

🔹 Real-Life Examples

From the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your orange juice to the ammonia in window cleaners, acids and bases are everywhere in our daily lives. Understanding their properties helps us use them safely and effectively.

🧪 Applications in Daily Life

🔸 In Human Body

• Stomach acid (HCl): Digestion, pH ~1.5
• Blood: Slightly basic, pH 7.4
• Skin: Slightly acidic, pH 4.5-6.0 (protection against bacteria)
• Saliva: Neutral to slightly basic, pH 6.5-7.5

🔸 In Food Industry

• Preservatives: Benzoic acid, citric acid
• Baking: Baking soda, baking powder
• Carbonated drinks: Carbonic acid
• Vinegar: Acetic acid (5% solution)

🔸 In Household Products

• Cleaning agents: Ammonia, sodium hydroxide
• Antacids: Magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate
• Toilet cleaners: Hydrochloric acid
• Detergents: Sodium carbonate

🔸 In Agriculture

• Soil treatment: Lime for acidic soil
• Fertilizers: Ammonium sulphate, potassium nitrate
• pH testing: For optimal plant growth

🔍 Advanced: pH and Health

Maintaining proper pH levels in our body is crucial for health. Blood pH outside the range 7.35-7.45 can be life-threatening