**3. Chemical Properties of Acids and Bases**
HCl is a strong acid, which means it readily dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions (H+). Acids have characteristic properties such as corrosiveness, sour taste, and reactivity with metals. Bases, on the other hand, have a bitter taste, slippery feel, and can neutralize acids. The strength of an acid or base is determined by its dissociation constant (Ka or Kb), which measures the extent to which it dissociates in water.