question_answer

Distinguish between the following:

(i) Acid and alkali

(ii) Base and alkali

(iii) Organic acid and mineral add.

Answer:

(i) An add is the compound formed by the reaction of acidic oxide with water, e.g., HCl, whereas alkali is the hydroxide of a metal dissolved in water, e.g., KOH.

(ii) A base is a substance containing hydroxide group, e.g., \[N{{H}_{4}}OH\], whereas alkali is the base which is soluble in water, e.g., \[NaOH\].

(iii) Organic acid is a weak acid derived from plants or animals, e.g., acetic acid. Mineral acid is a strong acid derived from earth minerals, e.g., HCl.