An acid is any solution with an excess of hydrogen ions (H+). Because hydrogen is such a simple element on the periodic table, it can react with a large variety of other substances, which is what makes acids so reactive. Any substance with a pH below 7 is considered an acid, with weaker acids represented by 3–6.9 and stronger acids represented by a pH lower than 3.
Examples of weaker acids include milk and human urine. They are typically not thought of as incredibly reactive or harmful acids.
Examples of stronger acids include gastric juices (stomach acid), coffee, and pure acids (i.e., hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid). These substance are typically explained as more reactive. In your everyday life, acidic drinks display their reactivity by breaking down tooth enamel. In a typical classroom environment, these acids contain warning labels explaining that they can cause damage if direct contact is made with the skin, eyes, or other body cavities.
http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/184ph.html
The acidity of a substance is measured on the pH scale. That scale goes from 1 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Anything greater than 7 is basic, and anything less than 7 is acidic. This means that an acid is anything that has a pH of less than 7. That does not really describe what an acid actually is though. An acidic solution is a solution that has a high concentration of hydrogen ions. This is because an acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions. A basic solution would then have a low concentration of hydrogen ions. There are some basic characteristics that acids share. Acids will taste sour, but do not taste every acid that may be put in front of you! Strong acids are capable of burning your skin. Acids also react vigorously with metals.
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