In short, an acid is a compound that can give up a hydrogen ion (a proton, H+) in solution. A base is a compound that can accept a proton. If you're looking at chemical equations, the acid will be the compound with more hydrogen atoms.Usually, an acid is positively charged.n short, an acid is a compound that can give up a hydrogen ion (a proton, H+) in solution. A base is a compound that can accept a proton. If you're looking at chemical equations, the acid will be the compound with more hydrogen atoms.
The lithosphere is the brittle outer layer of the solid Earth. The plates of plate tectonics are segments of the lithosphere. Its top is easy to see -- it's at the Earth's surface -- but the base of the lithosphere is in a transition, which is an active area of research.
Oceanic plates are thinner and younger. Together these plates form the lithosphere. Earth's Tectonic Plates, USGS. Continental plates. Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks form the continents. The basement rocks of the continents are granitic. The minerals in granitic rocks are lighter than the oceanic crust.ntroduction. Crustal plates form the outer layer of the Earth. There are seven major plates and many smaller plates. These tectonic plates are formed from the Earth's crust and uppermost part of the mantle. Types of tectonic plates. There are two types of tectonic plates.