Why acids cause burns on skin?

Why Burns Occur When Acids Falls On Our Skin?

An acid is a substance which reacts with a base. The word acid is derived from Latin Acidus meaning sour.  Commonly, acids can be identified as tasting sour, reacting with metals such as calcium, and bases like sodium carbonate. Aqueous acids have a pH under 7, with acidity increasing the lower the pH. Chemicals or substances having the property of an acid are said to be acidic.

Strong acids like sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid are very reactive and cause intense burns on our skin.Acid can absorb water and bring about a high temperature.All living cell contain water.Acid that falls on the skin absorbs this water and produces heat,thus causing burns.

                                                            

The first aid for an acid burn is to keep the affected part under water.Then you have to wash the burnt areas with a solution of ammonia.This alkaline solution will neutralize the acid.

                                                                    However,not all acids are dangerous.Since acids are dangerous to living things,they used as preservatives to kill bacteria.Vinegar is widely used for pickle making.this acid is weak acid.