Here's how they work:
* Acids: Acids donate hydrogen ions (H+) to a solution. This increases the concentration of H+ ions, making the solution more acidic.
* Bases: Bases accept hydrogen ions (H+) from a solution. This decreases the concentration of H+ ions, making the solution more basic (or alkaline).
Example:
* Hydrochloric acid (HCl): When HCl dissolves in water, it releases H+ ions, making the solution acidic.
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH): When NaOH dissolves in water, it releases OH- ions which react with H+ ions in the solution, reducing their concentration and making the solution basic.
In summary:
* Acids: Increase H+ concentration, making the solution acidic.
* Bases: Decrease H+ concentration, making the solution basic.
