Question
Explain the difference between a base and an alkali.
Answer
The main difference is that all alkalis are bases, but not all bases are alkalis. An alkali is a specific type of base that dissolves in water to form hydroxide ions, while a base is a more general term that refers to any substance that can accept hydrogen ions or donate a pair of electrons.
- Q: What is a base? A: A base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions (protons) or donate a pair of electrons.
- Q: What is an alkali? A: An alkali is a specific type of base that dissolves in water to form hydroxide ions (OH-).
- Q: What is the main difference between a base and an alkali? A: The main difference is that all alkalis are bases, but not all bases are alkalis. An alkali is a specific type of base that dissolves in water to form hydroxide ions, while a base is a more general term that refers to any substance that can accept hydrogen ions or donate a pair of electrons.