Lesson: Chapter 7 — Acids, bases and salts

Properties and uses of acids 3 of 3

Where acids are used

Three acids are especially common.

Hydrochloric acid

Removing scale from boilers; extracting gelatin from bone in food technology; making aqua regia.

Sulphuric acid

Making fertilisers such as ammonium sulphate and triple superphosphate; paints, plastics and detergents. Battery acid is dilute sulphuric acid; the concentrated acid dries gases bubbled through it.

Acetic acid

Preparing food (vinegar); setting rubber latex; photographic film; the paper industry; artificial fibres in textiles.

Aqua regia

Aqua regia is concentrated nitric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid mixed in the ratio 1 : 3. It dissolves metals such as gold and platinum.