Strong bases

Definition

Strong bases are chemical compounds that dissociate completely in water to release hydroxide ions ($OH^-$). They have a high $pH$ and are highly reactive.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strong bases include compounds like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).
2. They completely dissociate in aqueous solutions, meaning they release all their $OH^-$ ions into the solution.
3. The dissociation of strong bases is assumed to go to completion in stoichiometric calculations.
4. Strong bases are typically used in neutralization reactions with strong acids to form water and salts.
5. In titrations, strong bases can be used as titrants to determine the concentration of an acidic solution.

Review Questions

• What happens when a strong base is dissolved in water?
• Name two common examples of strong bases.
• How do strong bases behave in stoichiometric calculations?

Related terms

Weak Base: A weak base partially dissociates in water, releasing fewer $OH^-$ ions compared to a strong base.

Neutralization Reaction: A chemical reaction where an acid and a base react to form water and a salt.

$pH$ Scale: $pH$ is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. Strong bases have high $pH$ values, typically above 12.