In order for a compound to be an acid/base

[LogicalAcid]

For an acid, the more Hydrogen (H+) Ions the compound releases in an aqueous solution it, the higher its pH correct, question is now, why is it that acids only break up into their elements in a aqueous solution? For a base, the more Hydroxide ions it releases (OH-), the lower the compounds pH. So in order for an acid or base to be corrosive, their has to be water present? And why is it that when you mix both a Base and Acid, they neutralize e/o and form a salt, and if the acid was stronger, does that make the salt more acidic, and the other way around?

 

[LogicalAcid]

For an acid, the more Hydrogen (H+) Ions the compound releases in an aqueous solution it, the higher its pH correct, question is now, why is it that acids only break up into their elements in a aqueous solution? For a base, the more Hydroxide ions it releases (OH-), the lower the compounds pH. So in order for an acid or base to be corrosive, their has to be water present? And why is it that when you mix both a Base and Acid, they neutralize e/o and form a salt, and if the acid was stronger, does that make the salt more acidic, and the other way around?

For the pH part, I made a mistake. The lower somethings pH is the more acidic it is, higher is more basic.

 

[granpa]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleophile

 

[Borek]

why is it that acids only break up into their elements in a aqueous solution?

Not into elements, but to dissociate they need water. Some of the strongest acids can dissociate even if they are liquid and anhydrous.

So in order for an acid or base to be corrosive, their has to be water present?

In most cases yes. Sulfuric acid is corrosive even anhydrous, same about nitric and perchloric.

And why is it that when you mix both a Base and Acid, they neutralize

I told you to try to write reaction in the other thread.

Note: I believe link to nucleophiles page granpa posted is not relevant at this stage, you need to get a correct understanding of the very basic ideas. Nucleophiles are a step higher on the ladder.