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Uses of bases or alkalies

Acid base and salt of Class 8

USES OF BASES/ALKALIES 

Caustic soda and Caustic potash:

  • They are extensively used in the manufacture of soaps from vegetable oils.
  • They are used in paper industry for preparing paper pulp.
  • They are used for making artificial fibres such as rayon, nylon, etc.
  • They are used in the manufacture of medicines.

Calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide

  • They are used for neutralisation of acidity of the acidic soils.
  • Calcium hydroxide suspension is used for white washing.
  • Calcium hydroxide is used for making mortar, which is used in the construction of buildings.
  • Calcium hydroxide is used for removing hair from the animal skins.
  • Calcium hydroxide is used for preparing bleaching powder.

Magnesium hydroxide and Aluminium hydroxide

  • They are used as antacids for relieving acidity in the stomach.

Comparison between properties of acids and bases :

Acids

Bases
  • Sour in taste.
  •  Bitterness in taste.
  • Change colours of indicators e.g. Litmus turns from blue to red, phenolphthalein remains colourless.
  •  Change colours of indicators e.g., litmus turns from red to blue, phenolphthalein turns from colourless to pink.
  • Acidic properties disappear when reacts with bases. 
  • Basic properties disappear when reacts with acids 
  • Decompose carbonate salts.
  • No decomposition of carbonate salts by bases.

 

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