What Is a Base
Part of the Acids and Bases section of Coddy's Chemistry journey. Lesson 2 of 30.
A base takes H⁺ ions. Metal hydroxides like NaOH give OH⁻ ions in water, and OH⁻ takes H⁺:
NaOH(s) → Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)
A solution with more OH⁻ than pure water is basic, or alkaline. Ammonia makes OH⁻ by taking an H⁺ from water:
NH₃ + H₂O → NH₄⁺ + OH⁻
Acid and base: one gives H⁺, the other takes it
Challenge
Slaked lime, calcium hydroxide, is spread on fields to make soil less acidic. Balance the equation for it dissolving in water.
Try it yourself
Equation balancerBalance the equation
Ca(OH)2Ca2+OH−
Test yourselfThis lesson includes a short quiz. Start the lesson to answer it and track your progress.
All lessons in Acids and Bases
1Acids and Bases
What Is an AcidWhat Is a BaseProton TransferConjugate PairsWater as Acid and BaseRecap - Proton Swap