What are Bases?

The bitter taste and soapy texture of bases are two of their most prevalent characteristics. A base is a chemical that produces the hydroxyl ion (OH^–) in water. Bases turn the colour of red litmus paper to blue. Bases can be categorized into two categories that are,

• Strong Base
• Weak Base

Strong Bases Definition

Strong bases completely ionise in water, resulting in a huge amount of OH^– ions. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) are just a few examples.

Weak Bases Definition

Weak bases partially ionise in water, resulting in a tiny number of OH^– ions. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) and ammonium hydroxide, for example (NH₄OH).

The citric acid in fruits like oranges and lemons, tartaric acid in tamarind, malic acid in apples, lactic acid in milk and milk products, and hydrochloric acid in gastric juices are just a few examples of acids and bases found in nature. Many bases, such as lime water, can also be found. Many of these acids are used in our daily lives, such as vinegar or acetic acid in the kitchen, boric acid in laundry, baking soda in cooking, washing soda in cleaning, and so on.

Many acids and bases that we do not use in our daily lives are utilised in laboratories and industries, such as HCl, H₂SO₄, and NaOH, KOH, among others. The neutralisation process results in the creation of salt and water when these acids and bases are mixed in the proper quantities.