Acid-Base Essentials

Your quick reference for acid-base chemistry:

• Acids donate protons (H+); bases accept them — the Bronsted-Lowry definition
• The pH scale is logarithmic: each unit is a tenfold change in acidity
• Neutralization happens when acids and bases react to form water and a salt
• Buffers resist pH changes — your blood uses carbonic acid and bicarbonate
• Strong acids (like HCl) fully dissociate in water; weak acids (like vinegar) only partially dissociate

The proton is tiny, but its movement between molecules drives the reactions behind cooking, cleaning, medicine, and biology.