acids

Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water, which makes the solution more acidic and capable of reacting with other materials. They often taste sour, like citrus fruits, and can react with metals to produce hydrogen gas. Acids are common in everyday life, such as vinegar (acetic acid) and lemon juice (citric acid), and are used in various industrial and cleaning processes. Chemically, acids are characterized by a pH below 7, with lower numbers indicating stronger acids. They play essential roles in biological systems, manufacturing, and environmental processes.