86 THE THEORY OF IONIZATIONto take and how long to hold it on the tongue in order to get a fair
estimate of the comparative acidity. It must be borne in mind
that the strong acid may partly paralyze the nerves of the tongue
for a short time; therefore, after tasting one acid, wait a short time
before tasting another. Compare the effect of the two 0.1 N
acids on blue litmus.
The conductivity of the two acids ought to be proportional to
the degree of ionization; likewise the sour taste, which is the
property of the hydrogen ion, ought to be proportional to the
degree of ionization; even the weaker acid contains enough hydro-
gen ions completely to turn the color of the very sensitive litmus,
so no difference is shown by this indicator.
Make a tabulation for each acid of the number of grams of the
four components present in 1 liter of 0.1 N solution: (1) water,
(2) un-ionized acid, (3) hydrogen ion, (4) acid radical ion. (Con-
sult table of ionization values on page 100.) Arrange the tabula-
tion for each acid somewhat on the following plan.
COMPONENTS IN 1 LITER OF 0.1 N ACETIC ACID
Total acetic acid 0.1 X 60 = 6.0 grams
Water 1000 - 6 =994
Ionized acetic acid = "
Un-ionized acid = "
H+ion = "
C2H 3 O 2 "ion = "BASES- Test the electrical conductivity of a dry lump of sodium or
potassium hydroxide (do not handle it with the fingers) before its
surface has become wet by taking moisture from the atmosphere.
Then test the conductivity of dilute solutions of sodium, potassium,
and ammonium hydroxides. Rub a single drop of liV NaOH
lightly between the thumb and forefinger and note the slippery
feeling. Immediately rinse the alkali from the ringers since it
would very soon take off the skin. Repeat the experiment with a
drop of liVNEUOH.
Look up the percentage of ionization in 0.1 N solution of each
of the bases. What component is common to all bases and is
responsible for the characteristic properties of bases? Name the
other components in any base solution.