Lesson 1 of 7

Acids and alkalis around us

Goal: Name common acids and alkalis and handle them safely.

Puzzles for this lesson

Word search0 of 8 foundCrossword0 of 41 letters
A lemon, vinegar and orange juice beside soap, toothpaste and a cleaning spray

Acids and alkalis are all around you, in the kitchen and in the bathroom.

  • Acids taste sour. Lemon juice and vinegar are acids.
  • Alkalis feel soapy. Soap, toothpaste and many cleaners are alkalis.
  • Strong ones are corrosive. They burn skin, so never touch or taste a chemical in the lab.
Corrosive. Destroys skin and eyes.
Harmful or irritant. Can make skin red and sore.

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Key words in this lesson

Acid Has a pH below 7

Alkali Has a pH above 7

Corrosive Can destroy skin and other materials

For teachers: AQA 3.6.2 · Pearson Edexcel 24.1, 44.10 in part · Cambridge 7TWSp.05, 7Cp.02 in part