12.1.13

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+(aq) + 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

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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