Hydroxide Ions
Definition
Hydroxide ions (OH-) consist of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom carrying a negative charge overall due to presence of extra electron.
Analogy
Consider hydroxide ions as a two-person team in a three-legged race. They're bound together (like the oxygen and hydrogen atoms), but they have an extra leg (the extra electron) that makes them negatively charged.
Related terms
Base: Substances that donate hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.
Alkalinity: The capacity of water to neutralize acids, which is related to its hydroxide ion concentration.
Amphoteric Substance: A substance, like water, that can act as both an acid (donating H+ ions) and a base (donating OH- ions).
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