Acids are compounds that corrode various items. Sometimes the corrosion is destructive, such as when it eats away at metal on a vehicle. Other times it is used deliberately to clean things or to etch designs into metal or glass.

Identification

The pH scale measures how acidic, or basic, something is. The scale runs from zero to 14, with seven being neutral. Any number on the scale lower than seven indicates that the liquid is an acid. Each whole number change below seven is 10 times more acidic than the next higher number. For example, a liquid with a pH of five is 10 times more acidic than one with a pH of six and 100 times more acidic than one with a pH of seven.

Corrosiveness

Acids are corrosive, but not all acids work on the same things. Some affect glass while others do not; for example, the faster a liquid eats into an item, the more acidic it is.

Vinegar

The acidity in vinegar could be defined as a flavor brightener. It is also used to preserve and pickle foods.

Etching

Various acids and acidic compounds are used to etch designs into glass, metal and concrete. The computer wouldn't be possible without acid, since it is used to etch the printed circuit boards inside.

Definition

An acid can be technically defined as a liquid or substance with a pH number lower than seven. Acidity may be better defined as a tool that can be used to create designs in metal or glass, to add brightness and sharpness to your dinner or to clean grease off your concrete driveway.

Source:

Elmhurst.edu

The Penguin Companion to Food; Alan Davidson; 2002