Base Chemistry Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

easy

According to the Arrhenius definition, what makes a substance a base? Give two examples.

1
An Arrhenius base produces $\text{OH}^-$ ions (hydroxide) when dissolved in water.
2
Example 1: $\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^-$ (sodium hydroxide).
3
Example 2: $\text{KOH} \rightarrow \text{K}^+ + \text{OH}^-$ (potassium hydroxide).

Answer

\text{Bases produce OH}^-\text{ in water: NaOH, KOH}

Bases feel slippery and taste bitter. The Brønsted-Lowry definition broadens this to any proton acceptor, allowing substances like

\text{NH}_3

to be classified as bases.

About Base

A substance that accepts $\text{H}^+$ ions (protons) or donates $\text{OH}^-$ ions when dissolved in solution, raising the pH above 7.

Ammonia ([formula]) is a base but does not contain [formula]. Using the Brønsted-Lowry definition, e

Identify whether NaOH is an acid or a base. Write the dissociation equation in water.

Is a solution with pH = 12 acidic, neutral, or basic?

A base is added to water. What happens to the hydrogen-ion concentration, and why?