Identify each of the following as an acid, base, or salt, and give its name: (10.1) a. H₃PO₄

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Identify the chemical formula: H₃PO₄.

Recognize that H₃PO₄ contains hydrogen atoms that can be donated as protons (H⁺), which is a characteristic of acids.

Determine the type of compound: Since H₃PO₄ can donate protons, it is classified as an acid.

Name the compound: H₃PO₄ is known as phosphoric acid.

Conclude that H₃PO₄ is an acid and its name is phosphoric acid.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acids

Acids are substances that can donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a chemical reaction. They typically have a sour taste and can turn blue litmus paper red. In aqueous solutions, acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions, which is a key characteristic that defines their acidic nature.

Bases

Bases are substances that can accept protons or donate hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in a chemical reaction. They usually have a bitter taste and can turn red litmus paper blue. Bases increase the concentration of hydroxide ions in solution, which is essential for identifying their basic properties.

Salts

Salts are ionic compounds formed from the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base. They consist of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions). Salts can be soluble or insoluble in water and play various roles in chemical reactions and biological systems.