Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 1
SCIENCE AND MATERIALS IN NATURE
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SCIENCE AND MATERIALS IN NATURE
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Subject: General Science
Class: SHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 10
Grade code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 2.1.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 2.1.1.LI.2
Theme: EXPLORING MATERIALS
Subtheme: SCIENCE AND MATERIALS IN NATURE
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This lesson explores the fascinating chemical reaction between acids and bases to form salts. This is not just a topic for the laboratory; it is happening all around us. From the salt we use to season our jollof rice, to the soap ('Alata Samina') we use to bathe, and even the medicine we take for an upset stomach, the principles of salt formation are at play. Understanding this topic helps us appreciate the chemistry behind many everyday products and processes vital to our lives in Ghana, including farming, health, and local industries.
A. What are Acids?
An acid is a substance that produces hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water. Properties of Acids: They have a sour taste (e.g., lime, unripe mango). Caution: Never taste chemicals in the lab! They turn blue litmus paper red. They are corrosive and can "eat away" at metals, cloth, and skin. Common Examples: Hydrochloric acid (HCl): Found in our stomachs to help digest food. Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄): Used in car batteries. Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH): The acid in vinegar. Citric acid: Found in oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits. B. What are Bases and Alkalis?
A base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions (H⁺). Many bases produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water. Properties of Bases: They have a bitter taste. They feel soapy or slippery to the touch. They turn red litmus paper blue. Alkalis: A base that is soluble (can dissolve) in water is called an alkali. For our purposes at this level, we will often use the terms interchangeably. Common Examples: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): Also known as 'caustic soda'. It is used in making hard soaps like 'Azuma blows'. Potassium hydroxide (KOH): Often derived from cocoa pod ash and used for making local soft soaps like 'Alata Samina'. Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂): Also known as 'slaked lime'. Used in agriculture to treat acidic soil. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂): The main ingredient in 'Milk of Magnesia', an antacid for indigestion. C. The Reaction: Neutralization
When an acid and a base react, they cancel each other out. This reaction is called neutralization. The products of a neutralization reaction are always a salt and water.