Acids and Bases Research Paper: Lemons and Grapefruits

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date Acids and Bases             Acids and bases have significant substances in health, industry, and the environment. Lemons and grapefruits are examples of the fruits with acids. One basic characteristic of acids is that they have a sour taste. The sour taste contained in fruits is due to the acids found in them. Ascorbic acid is one of the components contained in citric acid. Vinegar tastes sour due to acetic acid it contains. During exercises, people do produce lactic acid. When humans smell food, their body starts to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl). Acid contained in the stomach helps in the digestion process. Hydrochloric acid activates the production of pepsin whose role is to break down proteins. Acid producing bacteria help to turn milk into yogurt and cottage cheese. Individuals normally take antacids such as sodium to reduce the acidity of acids (Lew, 38).             The acid rain has a huge influence on the environment. Too much acidity increases metal corrosion and dissolves marble. When the lake or river water becomes acidic, the plants and fish life are affected. Some plants and animals thrive in acidic conditions while others die when placed in acidic conditions. The acidity of the soil does affect the plant's nutrient uptake. Most plants do behave well in the neutral PH. Some plants such as orchids, camellias and blueberries do thrive well in acidic soil (Lew, 40). The PH scale describes the acidity of a substance. The lungs and the kidneys are ...