Question

Define a base? Explain using an example.

Answer 1

A base is a metallic oxide or metallic hydroxide (including ammonium hydroxide) which reacts with an acid to form salt and water only.

Example: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base. When it reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it forms sodium chloride (salt) and water.

\[\ce{NaOH + HCl -> NaCl + H2O}\]