acidity

     

An aci (often represented by the generic formula HA [H+A-]) is traditionally considered any chemical compound that, when dissolved in water, gives a solution with a hydrogen ion activity greater than in pure water, i.e. a pH less than 7.0. That approximates the modern definition of Johannes Nicolaus Brønsted and Martin Lowry, who independently defined an acid as a compound which donates a hydrogen ion (H+) to another compound (called a base). Common examples include acetic acid (in vinegar) and sulfuric acid (used in car batteries). Acid/base systems are different from redox reactions in that there is no change in oxidation state.

Trivia about acidity

  • Add lemon juice to canned tomatoes to keep the level of this high enough to prevent botulism
  • Here's a pH test-- all olive oils are graded in accordance with the degree of this they contain (lower is better)