Question 429 of 513
Which of the following statements correctly describes a property of acids?
- Acids have a slippery feel and bitter taste.
- Acids turn litmus paper blue.
- Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
- Acids are always neutral in pH.
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
The correct option is **C. Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.**
### Detailed Explanation:
1. **Understanding Acids:**
- Acids are substances that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a solution. They typically have a sour taste, can conduct electricity, and can react with various substances, including metals.
2. **Analyzing Option C:**
- **Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.** This statement is true. When an acid reacts with a metal, a chemical reaction occurs that often produces hydrogen gas and a salt. For example, when hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with zinc (Zn), the reaction can be represented as:
\[
\text{Zn} + 2\text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{ZnCl}_2 + \text{H}_2 \uparrow
\]
- In this reaction, zinc displaces hydrogen from hydrochloric acid, resulting in the formation of zinc chloride and the release of hydrogen gas (indicated by the upward arrow).
3. **Why the Other Options are Incorrect:**
- **Option A: Acids have a slippery feel and bitter taste.**
- This statement is incorrect. Acids do not have a slippery feel; that property is characteristic of bases. Bases feel slippery due to their ability to react with oils and fats, forming soap-like substances. Additionally, acids typically have a sour taste, not a bitter one. Bitter taste is associated with bases.
- **Option B: Acids turn litmus paper blue.**
- This statement is also incorrect. Acids turn blue litmus paper red. The litmus test is a common method to determine whether a solution is acidic or basic. When an acid is present, it donates protons, which causes the blue litmus paper to change color to red, indicating acidity.
- **Option D: Acids are always neutral in pH.**
- This statement is false. Acids are characterized by having a pH less than 7. A neutral pH is 7, which is the pH of pure water. Acids, by definition, have a higher concentration of H⁺ ions, resulting in a lower pH value.
### Summary of Key Points:
- Acids react with metals to produce hydrogen gas, which is a defining characteristic of their behavior.
- Acids have a sour taste and turn blue litmus paper red, not blue.
- Acids do not have a slippery feel; that is a property of bases.
- Acids are not neutral; they have a pH less than 7.
### Revision Summary:
- Acids donate protons (H⁺) and have a sour taste.
- They react with metals to produce hydrogen gas.
- Acids turn blue litmus paper red.
- Acids have a pH less than 7, indicating they are not neutral.