Bases in Chemistry

1. What are Bases?

1. Base compounds have a bitter flavour to them.
2. The texture of most bases is soapy.
3. When tested on litmus paper, it transforms red litmus paper into blue litmus paper in most cases.
4. In solution, the base compounds also conduct electricity.
5. When base compounds are dissolved in water, OH- ions are liberated.

2. What are the Functions of Bases?

At home, we employ bases as cleaning agents and antacids. Soaps, lye (which is used in oven cleansers), magnesia milk, and Tums are all examples of popular homemade bases. Each of them has a pH greater than seven, can consume free hydrogen, and neutralise acids.

3. What is the most important distinction between an Acid and a Base?

Acids and Bases are two types of corrosive chemicals. Acidic materials have a pH value between 0 and 7, while bases have a pH value between 7 and 14. Acids are ionic chemicals that break down in water to create the hydrogen ion (H+) while Base dissociates to give OH- ion.

4. What are the Physical Properties of Bases?

• They have a bitter taste to them.
• Their aqueous solutions have a soapy quality to them.
• They change the colour of litmus paper from red to blue.
• Their aqueous solutions are electrically conductive.
• With the release of hydrogen gas, bases react with metals to generate salt.

5. What will happen when Calcium Hydroxide Reacts with Ammonium Chloride?

When calcium hydroxide reacts with ammonium chloride, calcium chloride water and ammonia are produced.

Ca(OH)₂ + NH₄Cl  →  CaCl₂ + H₂O + NH₃

6. What will happen when Sodium Hydroxide reacts with Zinc Metal?

When sodium hydroxide interacts with zinc metal, it produces hydrogen gas and sodium zincate.

2 NaOH + Zn → Na₂ZnO₂ + H₂

7. What is Lewis Base?

Lewis Base are the compounds which donate a pair of electron to the electron deficient compound. Example includes NH_3.

8. What are Bases made of?

Bases generally consist of OH^– ion. Apart from these metal oxides, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates are also bases.

9. What are Alkalis?

The bases which are soluble in water are called Alkalis. An example is Sodium Hydroxide NaOH.

10. What are Strong Base and Weak Base?

The bases which dissociate completely to give OH^– ion on dissolving in water are called Strong Base. Examples include NaOH. Weak bases are those which doesn’t dissociate completely to liberate OH^– ion is called a weak base. Examples of Weak Bases include Ammonium Hydroxide.

Base is a chemical compound that consists of OH^– ions and accepts protons. Base in Chemistry are those compounds that turn red litmus blue and when reacted with acid they neutralize the reaction to give salt and water. The pH value of the base is greater than 7. Bases are bitter in taste and slippery in touch. The bases which are soluble in water are called Alkalis. Examples of Bases are Metal Oxides, Metal Hydroxides, etc. Soap is an example of a base that we use in daily life. In this article, we will learn about the definition, properties, and chemical reactions of Bases in detail.