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Chemical Safety Information - Glossary
acid
Chemists use a variety of ways to define what they mean by an acid. The definition which is most readily understood, due to Arrhenius, is that an acid is a chemical which produces hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. The strength of an acidic solution is usually measured in terms of its pH (a logarithmic function of the H+ ion concentration). Strongly acidic solutions have low pHs (typically around 0-3), while weakly acidic solutions have pHs in the range 3-6.
Strong acids, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid or hydrochloric acid are strongly corrosive, and can cause serious burns or be fatal if swallowed.
Weak acids, such as citric acid or vinegar (a dilute aqueous solution of acetic acid) are much less hazardous, and are often a natural or added component in foods.
