About this course

Course Description

This online course covers the fundamental principles of acid-base reactions in aqueous solutions, focusing on the Brönsted-Lowry theory. Acids and bases are pervasive in our daily environment, often appearing in products like vinegar, baking soda, Aspirin®, and ammonia. These substances play crucial roles in biological systems, environmental pollution, and many industrial and domestic products. The course emphasizes understanding the concepts of acid and base strength, conjugate acid-base pairs, pH scale and its experimental determination, and the neutralization processes that result in salt formation. Practical applications in technology, biology, and daily life are also discussed.

What students will learn

• Identify various compounds by their acidic or basic character.
• Study the concept of pH and how to experimentally determine it.
• Calculate the pH in aqueous solutions of acids and bases.
• Understand the formation and hydrolysis of salts.

Prerequisites

Students are recommended to have taken previous courses in chemical reactions and stoichiometric calculations, such as Reacciones Químicas y Cálculos Estequiométricos offered on edX.

Course Content

• General aspects of acid-base reactions
• Understanding of acids, bases, and their strengths
• Study of conjugate acid-base pairs
• Determination and calculation of pH
• Neutralization reactions and salt formation

Who this course is for

Students and professionals interested in chemistry, biology, environmental sciences, or anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the chemical properties of everyday substances and their applications in various fields.

Real-world application of skills

Learners can apply the understanding of acid-base chemistry in various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing industries, environmental agencies, and research settings. Skills gained can help in developing new medical treatments, solving environmental challenges, and innovating industrial processes.

Syllabus

• Module 1: The Importance of Acids and Bases
• Module 2: General Concepts of Acids and Bases
• Module 3: pH in Aqueous Solutions