iTutor Chemistry Updates

Sometimes a stupid question can reveal a lot — about the topic ... not the poster _:bugeye:. When people think of common acids, they might think of the battery acid in lead-acid batteries, vinegar, acid splashed in someone's face, etc. When people think of common alkalis, they might think of alkaline batteries, baking soda, caustic soda, laundry detergent, soap, etc. See any easily recognizable difference? As to their forms, it seems acids tend to be liquids, and alkalis solids. Questions —

• Is that because they tend toward those forms naturally? For example, are there any solid acids at room temp and pressure? ... and glacial acetic acid doesn't count because it's still a liquid, although frozen.
• I think there's at least one liquid alkali because I remember that if two bottles of different stuff (I don't remember what) are left unstoppered on the bench, you might see slight fumes coming from one bottle and going into the other. BTW, what are they? ... and no, they're not male and female hormones. _:)
• Or do chemists make alkalis as solids or acids as liquids because they're easier and/or safer to work with or for some other reason?