The substances known as acids, bases, and salts are among the most important and best studied in Chemistry. They are widespread in nature, in industry, and in the home.
Hydrochloric acid, present in small quantities in our stomachs, helps digest our food. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is among our most important nutrients. Carbonic acid is familiar to us in the form of soda water. And the much stronger sulfuric acid is used to manufacture fertilizers, paints, synthetic fibers, and plastics.
Among the more familiar bases are lye, or caustic soda, and ammonia water. By far, the best-known salt is sodium chloride, which is commonly known as table salt. It is a basic ingredient of seawater as well as of our own blood.
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