Step 1: Identify the characteristic properties of acids
Acids have specific properties that distinguish them from other substances. Some of these include:
- They turn blue litmus paper red.
- They are sour in taste.
- They have a pH less than 7.
Step 2: Identify the correct option
- Option (1) "They turn blue litmus paper red" is a characteristic property of acids.
- Option (2) "They turn red litmus paper blue" is the characteristic property of bases.
- Option (3) "They have a bitter taste" is also a property of bases.
- Option (4) "They are slippery to touch" is the characteristic property of bases, not acids.
Answer: The correct answer is option (1): They turn blue litmus paper red.