Caustic soda and potassium hydroxide are examples of what?

Caustic soda and potassium hydroxide are examples of what?

• A. Acids
• B. Salts
• C. Bases
• D. Oxidizers

Answer: (C)

Caustic soda and potassium hydroxide are bases (alkalis). In water they dissociate to release hydroxide ions (OH−), which raises the solution’s pH. This is why they’re classified as bases under both Arrhenius (base produces OH−) and Brønsted-Lowry (base accepts protons) definitions. Their basic, caustic nature is evident in neutralization reactions with acids to form a salt and water (for example, NaOH reacts with HCl to give NaCl and H2O). They are not acids, which donate protons; not salts, which are typically the products of acid-base reactions; and not oxidizers, which promote oxidation. In hazmat contexts, they’re highly corrosive and require proper protective equipment.

Caustic soda and potassium hydroxide are bases (alkalis). In water they dissociate to release hydroxide ions (OH−), which raises the solution’s pH. This is why they’re classified as bases under both Arrhenius (base produces OH−) and Brønsted-Lowry (base accepts protons) definitions. Their basic, caustic nature is evident in neutralization reactions with acids to form a salt and water (for example, NaOH reacts with HCl to give NaCl and H2O). They are not acids, which donate protons; not salts, which are typically the products of acid-base reactions; and not oxidizers, which promote oxidation. In hazmat contexts, they’re highly corrosive and require proper protective equipment.