How is an acid formed?

An acid is formed when the number of H⁺ions in water is thrown out of balance. We’re going to think of H⁺ ions as Hippos.

This happens when you dissolve certain compounds such as hydrogen chloride or hydrogen sulphide in water – the ionic bond breaks apart. You don’t need to remember what any part of the acidic compound’s formula is other than the H, as they all do the same thing.

Too many H⁺ ions (hippo) makes water unbalanced.