Properties of acids and bases
Acids, Bases and Salts (School Level) · Chemistry
Study notes
You spill some dilute HCl on your hand in the lab. Your teacher applies a baking soda paste. Explain using acid-base ideas. Step 1: HCl is an acid — it can burn skin. Step 2: Baking soda (sodium hydrogencarbonate) is a mild base. Step 3: Acid + base → salt + water (neutralisation). Step 4: The harmful acid is converted into harmless salt and water. Note: for real spills, wash with plenty of water first — this is the chemistry behind the first aid.