Applications of Acids and Bases
Flame Tests
One of the more interesting parts of the salts produced by neutralisation reactions is that when the salt is burned in a flame, they turn the flame different colours. Each different salt gives a different coloured flame, depending on the metal it contains.
The image below shows the colour change of a Bunsen Burner flame when metal salts are heated in a flame:-
The colour changes are useful as they allow a scientist to figure out which Elements are present in an unknown sample. Also it is these salts that are present in fireworks to the the explosions their distinctive colours.
Note - Also makes the Bunsen look like tiny Lightsabers, which is always good!
The embedded website below allows a simulation of these flame tests to be seen in terms of firework colours :-
Teeth and Acid Erosion
Acid found within food and drink over time will cause damage to teeth. This is because the hard enamel that covers teeth is made of a mineral that can be dissolved by Acid.
The diagram below shows the main parts of a tooth:-
Enamel - Hard white substance made of Calcium Phosphate. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and protects the rest of the tooth.
Dentine - Hard yellow substance, again made of Calcium Phosphate. Dentine is softer than enamel, but acts to support the enamel.
Nerve/Pulp - The living part of the tooth, containing the nerve. If the nerve is damaged, pain occurs.
When you eat and drink anything, Acids within the food and drink can remain in the mouth for several hours, causing damage to the teeth:-
As can be seen from the diagram above, over the course of a day there are several points after meals or snacks which the pH within the mouth is below pH 5.5, at which point the teeth are being damaged. This is why snacking can lead to further Acid erosion, by keeping the mouth below pH 5.5 for longer.
The diagram below shows the effect of Acid erosion on a tooth:-
Acids in food and drinks can cause Acid erosion of teeth. This damage can eventually can lead to pain and tooth loss. Acid erosion occurs when the pH of the mouth is below pH 5.5, which happens after meals or snacks.
Ways to reduce Acid erosion are:-
Don't snack, only eat at mealtimes.
Brush teeth twice a day, for approximately 2 minutes each time.
Drink only water or milk.
Don't brush teeth straight away after eating, the enamel will be too soft at this point.
Visit a Dentist every 6 months.
Dental Hygienist
As a Dental Hygienist, you would encourage children and adults to take good care of their teeth and gums. You’d give people advice and information and show them the best way to brush and floss to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
You’d also do dental treatments to prevent and treat tooth decay and gum disease, using a range of dental instruments.
You could work in general dental practice, the community dental service and in hospitals. A dentist would supervise your work and a dental nurse may support you for some procedures.
Dental HYGIENIST
Training to be a Hygienist
A Career as a Dental Hygienist
Salary: from £24,000 to £44,000 per year
Hygienist working hours: 8.30am and 5pm, with occasional evening and weekend duties. If you were based at a hospital, you could work shifts or be on call. Part-time hours and opportunities for self-employment are often available.
Typical entry requirements: You would need to do a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) such as the BSc in Oral Health Science (Hygiene and Therapy) (SCQF level 9/10).
Edinburgh University offers a four-year honours degree in Oral Health Sciences (Hygiene and Therapy).
To enter a Oral Health Science degree requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or above.
Edinburgh University offer the BSc Hons Oral Health Sciences. For entry you require four highers at BBBB including Biology. To enter the Edinburgh University course you would need to gain BBBB before the end of S5 or ABBB/BBBBB in S4-S6 with a minimum of three highers at B achieved in one go.
Skills required:
Cooperating
Verbal communication
Empathising
Attention to detail
Developing a plan
Taking initiative
Time management
Taking responsibility
Acid Rain
As can be seen above on teeth, Acid can cause substances to erode. Another example of this is the effects of Acid rain on buildings, lakes and trees.
The diagram below shows how Acid rain occurs:-
Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides are released from burning fossil fuels within power stations and vehicles.
These gases dissolve into water droplets within clouds, forming weak Sulphuric and Nitric Acids.
These Acids fall to Earth through Precipitation.
Living things such as trees or marine life are damaged by these Acids, as well as certain buildings.
Acid rain occurs when Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxides from burning fossil fuels dissolves in water in the atmosphere to form weak Acids. This then falls to ground, where it damages trees, marine life and buildings.
The effects of Acid rain can be reduced by:-
Use renewable energy types as they don't give out Sulphur Dioxide or Nitrogen Oxides.
Use cars with a catalytic converter, which removes some of the Nitrogen Oxides from the exhaust.
Use cars that give out less exhaust emissions, eg electric cars powered using renewable energy sources.
Adding Lime (an Alkali) to lakes can restore the lake to the correct pH, but this is very expensive and doesn't fix the problem long term.
Conservator
Conservator
Conservator
A Career as a Conservator
Salary: from £24,000 to £30,000 per year
Conservator working hours: 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. As a self-employed conservator, your hours would depend on the amount of work you have, and you may need to work to deadlines.
Typical entry requirements: Most employers look for a degree (SCQF level 9/10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in a conservation subject, and which demonstrate a strong interest in history, art and scientific approaches to preservation such as; History, Art history, Archaeology, Museum Studies or Science-based subjects such as Chemical and Material Science.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires a minimum of four or five Highers or a relevant HNC/HND. Higher Chemistry or equivalent is required for entry onto some courses. Voluntary work experience is also sought after. You can find a list of relevant courses on the Institute of Conservation.
Skills required:
Filtering
Attention to detail
Understanding
Verbal communication
Researching
Observation
Creative
Evaluating
Acid Indigestion
Hydrochloric Acid is found naturally within our stomachs. This Acid helps with the breakdown of food into smaller soluble parts before they are passed into the small intestine. The Acid also assists in preventing infections, by killing most microorganisms within the food. The stomach is protected from this Acid by a layer of mucus.
The diagram shows the main parts of the stomach:-
Parts of the stomach:-
Esophagus - Muscular Tube which connects the Stomach to the Mouth
Stomach - Large Muscular chamber containing Stomach Acid.
Diaphragm - Flat Muscle that assists with Breathing.
Esophageal Sphincter - Valve which opens to allow Food to enter the Stomach
Pylorus - Valve which opens to allow Food to enter the Small Intestine.
