Askjagden's Guide to Biochemistry: Basics on Acids and Bases
This guide will introduce some fundamental concepts on acids and bases, and will not go into too much depth. Between water molecules, which are represented by the chemical formula H_2O, there can be transferring of hydrogen atoms via hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are forms of connection between atoms covalently bonded when electronegative atoms are attracted to each other. This can leave behind an electron, and therefore, a positive H atom is sent across. With a charge of 1+, the atom is a hydrogen ion. The water molecule is also an ion, termed hydroxide, and is represented by OH-, with a negative charge. The proton left behind joins the other water molecule, producing a hydronium ion, which is represented by H_3O and has a positive charge. Hydronium and hydrogen are react easily, and acids and bases can affect their concentration in an aqueous solution. There is a measuring system to define acidity or basicity of a solution. That system is called the pH scale.
An acid increases hydrogen ion concentration, while a base reduces the concentration of H ions. In a neutral solution, the pH scale represents that solution with the number 7. The derivation of the formula can be found using logs, which is short for logarithms. You see, the combination of the molar concentrations of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions is equal to 14, and the negative common logarithm of hydrogen atoms is equal to the pH. For a neutral solution, the molar concentration of hydrogen atoms is 10^(-7). Numbers below 7 represent acids; numbers above represent bases. Bases typically compose of household cleaners like bleach, as well as blood, tears, and milk of magnolia. Acids compose of vinegar, urine, wine, beer, stomach acid, and rainwater. Pure water represents a neutral solution. Substances that neutralize pH levels are called buffers. They try not to change H+ and OH- levels, and therefore "regulate" pH.
Have fun with biochemistry!
