Source: Acid in Water, Hyperphysics
When a molecule of hydrochloric acid, HCl, is added to water, a proton (H+) is attracted to the negative pole (the oxygen) of a water molecule. The proton sticks to the water molecule, forming a hydronium ion, or H3O+. The image below illustrates this process.
Source: Acid in Water, Hyperphysics
The chemical equation for this process is shown below.
HCl + H2O → H3O + Cl
If you put this process into words, the word reaction would be as follows.
Acid + Water → Hydronium ion + Anion
Sometimes this reaction is simplified as HCl → H+ + Cl-. This is the simplest type of acid, called an Arrhenius acid.
Acids are compounds that dissociate (give off) hydrogen ions (protons) when dissolved in water. Acids have a pH value lower than 7. The word acid is derived from the Latin word "acere" which means sour. All acids have a sour taste. They also turn blue litmus paper red. Acids also react with active metals. Acids are electrolytes and will conduct electricity in solution.
Watch the following video of different metals reacting with acids.
Source: Reactivitity of Metals with HCl - Qualitative Lab, MrGrodskiChemistry, YouTube
When a molecule of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to water, it dissociates into a hydroxide ion (OH-) and a metal ion. The image below illustrates this process.
Source: Bases, Biology Corner
The chemical equation for this process is shown below.
NaOH + H2O → Na+ + OH- + H2O
If you put this process into words, the word reaction would be as follows.
Base + Water → Metal + Hydroxide ion + Water
Bases are compounds that dissociate hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. Bases have a pH value higher than 7, typically with a bitter taste, and turn red litmus paper blue. When bases are applied to a surface, they often make that surface feel slippery, like soap. Bases are also electrolytes, and will conduct electricity in solution.