Watch this short video showing sulfuric acid applied to fabric.

Source: Cloud, Boy Face, Women, Cartoon balloon, OCAL, Clker

Remember, an Arrhenius acid will dissociate hydrogen ions (H⁺) in solution. For example, an acid such as HCl will disassociate into H⁺ and Cl^- ions as shown in the equation below.

HCl → H⁺ + Cl^-

An Arrhenius base will dissociate hydroxide (OH^-) ions in solution. For example, a base such as NaOH will dissociate into Na⁺ and OH^- ions as shown in the equation below.

NaOH → Na⁺ + OH^-

The strength of an acid or a base is determined by how easily it dissociates hydrogen or hydroxide ions in solution. In other words,

• the more H⁺ ions present in the solution, the more acidic the solution; and
• the more OH^- ions present in the solution, the more basic the solution.

The strength of acids and bases are defined by using the pH scale, which ranges from 1 to 14, and is a logarithmic scale. Acids cause tissue damage by denaturing proteins. Ions, specifically an increase in the hydrogen ion concentration, [H⁺], can kill and/or stimulate nerve endings causing the sensation of pain.

Source: pH scale, UTDallas

As you can see in the pH scale above, a smaller pH value indicates high concentrations of H⁺ ions. A larger pH value indicates high concentration of hydroxide (OH^-) ion and a high potential to bond H⁺.