Core Concepts (Target: 'S' Pass)

• Define: What is an acid? What is a base?

• Identify: Is vinegar an acid or a base?

• List: Name two strong acids and one weak acid.

• Recall: What colour does blue litmus paper turn in an acid?

• State: What are the two products of a neutralization reaction?

• Define: What is the pH scale used for?

Understanding & Application (Target: 'C' Pass)

• Explain: What is the difference between a strong base and a weak base in terms of ionisation in water?

• Describe: What is an alkali? Is every base an alkali?

• Apply: A bee sting is acidic. What kind of common household substance could be applied to relieve the pain? Explain why.

• Write: Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

• Explain: A solution has a pH of 2, and another has a pH of 6. Which is more acidic?

Analysis & Higher-Order Thinking (Target: 'B' / 'A' Pass)

• Analyse: When magnesium metal is added to sulfuric acid, a gas is produced. Name the gas and describe a test to identify it. Write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction.

• Justify: Explain at an ionic level what happens during the neutralization of any strong acid by any strong base.

• Synthesize: A student has three unlabelled beakers containing distilled water, a dilute acid, and a dilute alkali. Describe a series of tests using only red litmus paper to identify all three liquids.

• Apply: "Acid rain" is a major environmental problem. Explain how industrial pollutants lead to the formation of acid rain and list one of its harmful effects.

O/L Exam Tip: Master the general word equations: Acid + Metal -> Salt + Hydrogen; Acid + Base -> Salt + Water; Acid + Carbonate -> Salt + Water + Carbon Dioxide. These are very frequently tested.