What happens when you dissolve something in base (why is acid so much more popular a concept) science plz!?

Thanks!



So, please don't just explain acid/base 101 to me, but what actually occurs MACROSCOPICALLY when acid hits something, vs what happens to the same material dissolved (right word?) in base? Other than if protons are held tighter or looser, why would one use an acid rather than a base for cleaning, dissolving, or whatever? If you're not sure the whole answer but know why a certain industry uses one or the other that's fine - I'm really having trouble finding it on google.



Thanks!What happens when you dissolve something in base (why is acid so much more popular a concept) science plz!?
Both acids and bases can dissolve and errode solid objects.



Acids are just more popular to talk about because

1. people understand what an acid is...people know that acid refers to its chemical properties. With "base", people might confuse that with being base as in the bottom surface of a structure, when chemical bases have nothing to do with anything like that.



2. acids are more available in strong concentrations and pH levels. Hydrochloric acid is of greater pH difference from pure water than is an equimolar solution of an alkali hydroxide compound.







Just for the record though, numerous bases are used in cleaning. Most soaps are bases, ammonia is a well-known base, and they are both used vastly in cleaning.