subject: A Brief Note On Acids [print this page] Our planet earth is composed and made up of a host of chemicals, metals, minerals etc. Each of these has been put into application in some of the smartest ways by men. They have never stopped running around these stuffs to derive something. And their efforts did yield results as well.
Amidst every major minerals, metals, chemicals etc, acids form an important component as well. So how can we define acid? It's nothing but a substance which reacts with a base. Generally, acids can be identified as tasting sour, reacting with metals such as calcium and bases like sodium carbonate.
Acids, like any other element, have got a wide and extensive range of usage. There are in fact numerous usages of acids. These are often used to remove dust and other corrosion from metals in a process known as pickling. Again, acids are used as an electrolyte in a wet cell battery such as sulfuric acid in a car or other batteries.
Strong acids, like sulfuric acid in particular, are widely used in mineral processing. One instance can be mentioned of that of phosphate metals. These react with sulfuric acid to produce phosphoric acid. These in turn produces phosphate fertilizers. Also, zinc is produced as well. This is done by dissolving zinc oxide into sulfuric acid, purifying the solution and electro winning.
Acids are used as additives to drinks and foods as well. It's mainly done to improve their taste and to preserve as well. For example, phosphoric acid is a major example of acids, which are used in cola drinks. In yet another one of the most common usage, acetic acid is used as vinegar as well. Carbonic acid is an important part of some cola drinks and soda. Citric acid is used as a preservative in sauces and pickles.
In fine, talking about the role of acids, in context of humans, the former plays some of the most vital roles. Hydrochloric acids helps in proper digestion of food. Amino acids are required for synthesis of proteins. These helps in growth and repair of our body tissues. Fatty acids are also required for growth and repair of body tissues. Again, nucleic acids are important for the manufacturing of DNA, RNA & transmission of characters to offspring through genes.
Overall, it can be said that, acids, have got a multitude of roles to play and indeed occupies an important space.
