Acids and bases are compounds that, when added to an aqueous solution, change the amounts of H3O+ and OH- ions in solution. Acids increase the amount of H3O+ in solution by donating protons (H+) to water (H2O), forming H3O+. Bases increase the amount of OH- by removing protons from water, forming OH-. Acidic solutions have more H3O+ than OH- in them, ... - ions floating around due to auto ionization of water that constantly takes place, and no matter how basic you make a solution, there is still some H3O+ present in that solution. A solution containing H3O+ can be basic, because there are mo...

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... of its polarity water is a good solvent, attracting both the positive and negative charges of other solutions. This is very important because all chemical reactions in cells take place in aqueous solution. Water has a pH of 7, which makes it a neutral liquid medium. It's neutrality ensures that reactions taking place within living organisms are not disturbed by being too acidic or basic. Blood ... ...

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• Grade Level: High School