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Acids, Bases & Salts

Acidic Solution

A solution in which the hydrogen ion concentration exceeds the hydroxide ion concentration.

Formula / equation [H⁺] > [OH⁻]
Unit mol/L

In depth

Acidic solutions react with metals to release hydrogen, dissolve carbonates with effervescence, and turn methyl orange red. Their acidity comes either from a dissolved acid or from the hydrolysis of a salt of a strong acid and a weak base.

Examples in the real world

Vinegar at pH 2.4; an aluminium chloride solution made acidic by hydrolysis of the hydrated Al³⁺ ion.