7.1.10

Strong vs Weak Bases

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Strong vs Weak Bases

Bases are metallic oxides or hydroxides (or ammonia) that neutralise acids to form salt and water. There are two types: soluble and insoluble bases. An alkali is a soluble base - one that dissolves in water.

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Strong base

  • Aqueous sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are examples of strong bases.
  • Strong bases fully ionise in aqueous solutions.
    • NaOH(aq) → Na+(aq) + OH-.
    • KOH(aq) → K+(ap) + OH-.
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Weak base

  • Weak bases don't fully ionise in aqueous solutions.
  • Ammonia solution is an example of a weak base.
  • It exists mainly as NH3 molecules. Only a few of these react with water molecules to form ions.
    • NH3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq).

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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