Class 7 Science Chapter 4 Summary Notes PDF Download
FAQs on Acids, Bases and Salts Class 7 Science Chapter 4 CBSE Notes - 2025-26
1. How can you quickly summarise the main properties of acids and bases for revision?
For a quick recap, remember that acids are substances that typically taste sour and turn blue litmus paper red. Common examples include curd and lemon juice. On the other hand, bases are substances that taste bitter, feel soapy to the touch, and turn red litmus paper blue. Examples include baking soda and soap solution.
2. What is the main concept of a neutralisation reaction in this chapter?
The core concept is that when an acid reacts with a base, they cancel out each other's effects. This reaction is called neutralisation. The main products formed are always salt and water, and this process usually releases heat.
3. What is the role of an indicator in identifying acids and bases?
An indicator is a special substance used to test whether a substance is acidic or basic. It changes its colour when added to a solution containing an acid or a base. This colour change helps us identify the nature of the substance without having to taste it. Examples include litmus, turmeric, and phenolphthalein.
4. What is a salt, and how is it formed according to the Class 7 syllabus?
In the context of this chapter, a salt is the neutral substance formed as a result of a neutralisation reaction between an acid and a base. For example, when hydrochloric acid (an acid) reacts with sodium hydroxide (a base), the salt formed is sodium chloride (common table salt).
5. How does the concept of neutralisation explain why applying baking soda soothes an ant bite?
This is a practical application of neutralisation. An ant bite injects formic acid into the skin, which causes a stinging sensation. Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) is a mild base. When applied to the bite, it neutralises the formic acid, cancelling its effect and providing relief from the pain.
6. Why are students advised not to test unknown substances by tasting or touching them, even though these are listed as properties?
While basic properties like sour taste (acids) and soapy feel (bases) are taught for understanding, it is a crucial safety rule not to test unknown chemicals directly. Many acids and bases, especially those used in labs, are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns or internal damage. Indicators are the safe and scientific method for testing.
7. How do natural indicators like turmeric and China rose petals help in distinguishing between acids and bases?
Natural indicators provide a simple visual test for revision.
- Turmeric: It remains yellow in acidic or neutral solutions but turns bright red when it comes in contact with a base.
- China Rose Solution: It turns dark pink or magenta in an acidic solution and green in a basic solution.
8. If a neutralisation reaction 'neutralises' the acid and base, why is the product called a 'salt' and not just a neutral substance?
While the resulting solution might be neutral, the term 'salt' is a specific chemical name for the ionic compound formed. The properties of the acid and base are cancelled out to form two new substances: water (H₂O) and a salt. The salt itself can be acidic, basic, or neutral, but for the Class 7 level, it's understood as the product that isn't water in a neutralisation reaction.
9. What are some key everyday examples that help in revising the concept of neutralisation?
To quickly revise this concept, focus on these real-world applications:
- Indigestion: Taking an antacid (like milk of magnesia, a base) to neutralise excess stomach acid.
- Soil Treatment: Adding quicklime (a base) to acidic soil to make it suitable for farming.
- Factory Waste: Treating acidic factory waste with basic substances before discharging it into water bodies to prevent harming aquatic life.
10. For revision, what is the most important takeaway from the chapter 'Acids, Bases and Salts'?
The most crucial takeaway is understanding the fundamental difference between acids and bases, how to identify them safely using indicators, and how they interact in a neutralisation reaction to form salts and water. This concept is a building block for understanding chemistry in higher classes.

















