Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water, making the solution alkaline. These OH⁻ ions are responsible for the slippery feel, bitter taste, and ability to neutralize acids that characterize bases.
Examples of common bases:
- Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) → Na⁺ + OH⁻
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) → K⁺ + OH⁻
- Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) → Ca²⁺ + 2OH⁻
Bases can be classified as:
- Strong bases: Fully dissociate in water (e.g., NaOH).
- Weak bases: Partially dissociate (e.g., ammonia, NH₃, which forms OH⁻ by reacting with water).
Bases react with acids in neutralization reactions, producing salt and water, and are widely used in cleaning products, soaps, industrial processes, and even in biological systems to maintain proper pH balance.