Why is "NaOH" a base?

1 Answer
Dec 10, 2017

"NaOH" is a base because it forms a sodium cation and a hydroxide ion in aqueous solution, "Na"^(+)("aq)", and "OH"^(-)("aq").

Explanation:

"NaOH" is a base because it forms a sodium cation and a hydroxide ion in aqueous solution, "Na"^(+)("aq)", and "OH"^(-)("aq").

Acids give up hydrogen ions, "H"^(+)("aq")" in aqueous solutions. An example of an acid is hydrochoric acid, "HCl(aq)".

Acids and bases react to form a salt and water. This is called a neutralization reaction.

"NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq)"rarr"NaCl(aq) + H"_2"O(l)"