Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are examples of which chemical class?

Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are examples of which chemical class?

• A. Polymers
• B. Catalysts
• C. Acids
• D. Bases

Answer: (D)

Acid-base classification focuses on what a substance does in solution: bases raise pH by providing hydroxide ions. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide dissociate in water to yield OH− ions, which makes the solution strongly basic. This behavior—increasing pH, and neutralizing acids to form salts and water—defines them as bases, specifically strong bases or caustic alkalis. They are not polymers (large repeating-molecule chains) and they are not acids (they do not donate protons in solution). Their caustic, corrosive nature is a key safety characteristic, so handle with appropriate protective equipment and procedures.

Acid-base classification focuses on what a substance does in solution: bases raise pH by providing hydroxide ions. Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide dissociate in water to yield OH− ions, which makes the solution strongly basic. This behavior—increasing pH, and neutralizing acids to form salts and water—defines them as bases, specifically strong bases or caustic alkalis. They are not polymers (large repeating-molecule chains) and they are not acids (they do not donate protons in solution). Their caustic, corrosive nature is a key safety characteristic, so handle with appropriate protective equipment and procedures.