We hear about acids constantly: when characters in a movie or a cartoon hurt themselves when they come in contact with a certain corrosive “liquid”; when a person complains of burning or stomach pain, among other examples. This certainly makes people afraid of acidic materials, but many come into contact with them every day and don't realize it. Do the acids are they really that dangerous? Can they benefit man?
You acids are chemical substances that have the following general characteristics:
They are liquids;
They have a sour taste;
Dissolve in water;
Most are volatile (evaporate easily);
When dissolved in water, they promote the conduction of electricity;
They present the following general formula that represents them:
HX,
In this formula, H is hydrogen and X is another chemical element or group of chemical elements.
Observation: when the acid is added to water, the H (cation) is separated from the X and is positively charged, while the X (anion) is negatively charged. The formation of these two groups with charge favors the conduction of electricity.
You acids they are well known for the ability of some of them to cause corrosion (wear). This characteristic is very evident when they come into contact with materials such as metal or marble. In contact with body organs, such as the skin, they can cause serious damage. See some examples of corrosive acids:
Sulfuric acid (H2ONLY4)
Nitric acid (HNO3)
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
Sulfuric acid is essential for the operation of an automobile battery
Acids are widely used in various areas of humanity, such as industry, beauty products and food. Below, we will present some information and relevant facts about these compounds:
a) Acids most prominently in everyday life and their uses:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Impure (technical) acid is sold commercially under the name muriatic acid;
It is found in the liquid in the stomach;
It is a reagent widely used in industry and laboratories;
It is used in cleaning buildings after they are whitewashed to remove lime spills;
It is used for cleaning metal surfaces before soldering the respective metals.
Sulfuric acid (H2ONLY4)
It is most important in industry and in laboratories;
It is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, car batteries, paper and dyes;
It is present in acid rain.
Nitric acid (HNO3)
Much manufactured in the industry and also much consumed by it;
Used to manufacture explosives and gunpowder.
Present in the rain;
Very toxic.
Phosphoric acid (H3DUST4)
Used to make soft drinks and agricultural fertilizers.
Acetic acid (H4Ç2O2)
It's the acid in vinegar.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF)
It is used to engrave names and numbers on the glass.
Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
It is the acid of carbonated mineral waters and soft drinks.
b) Acids and the human
Participate in the digestion of food;
Gifts in cosmetics for various aesthetic purposes;
Present in car batteries;
Used to remove stains and dirt from surfaces;
Used in the preparation of some foods.
c) Examples of foods that have acids
Coffee
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Chocolate
Fruits such as apple, peach, banana, grapes, mango, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon and guava
Butter and margarine
Bean
Yogurt
Cookies
Mustard
soy or corn oil
Milk
Wheat
Meat
Many foods have acid in their composition
d) Problems related to the constant intake of acids
They weaken the immune system;
Favor the development of inflammation, flu and colds;
Retention of fluids in the body;
Constipation.
Observation: Foods such as eggs, butter, vinegar, beef, potatoes, sugary foods and soft drinks are major causes of the problems reported above.
As seen, many acids have industrial applications and are present in many foods that we routinely consume. For this reason, the amount of acids that can cause serious harm to humans is not that great. To avoid accidents, just handle them correctly, using safety equipment to protect yourself (gloves, lab coat and goggles).
By Me. Diogo Lopes Dias
