Uses of Acids

Acids have numerous uses, some of which include:

1. Steel used in construction is acid treated before painting. Dil. H₂SO₄ or HCl will remove any surface rust which would otherwise spread under the painted surface. Rust removal used to repair cars is dilute phosphoric acid, H₃PO₄

2. Baking powder contains tartaric acid.

3. ‘lime scale’ removers contain dil. acids. Lime scale is CaCO₃ (also called furring).

4. A swasp sting is alkali, and may be neutralized with a weak acid (lemon juice or vinegar).

5. H₂SO₄ is used in the production of fertilizers, e.g., superphosphate of lime and ammonium sulphate.

6. H₂SO₄ is used in the manufacture of chemicals, example, HCl, HNO₃, sulphate salts, synthetic detergents, dyes and pigments, explosives, and drugs.

6. Citric acid is used in the food/beverage industry for pH adjustment, acidity, preservation, stabilization of colours and flavours.

7. Citric acid is used In the pharmaceutical industry for effervescence, stabilization of ingredients and taste of pharmaceutical products.