Acids and Bases

Acids and bases are two related types of chemicals. Each type has a number of common properties when dissolved in a solvent, usually water. Acids solutions usually taste sour and turn litmus paper red. They react with metals like zinc to produce hydrogen gas. Solutions of bases, also called alkaline solutions, taste bitter and turn litmus paper blue. When an acid solution is mixed with an alkaline solution, they neutralize each other forming water and a salt.