A substance that forms hydroxide ions in a water solution is a base true or false
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The statement is true.
A substance that forms hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water is classified as a base according to the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases. This definition posits that an acid produces hydrogen ions (H⁺) or protons in water, whereas a base produces hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
When a base is dissolved in water, it dissociates to release hydroxide ions, increasing the pH of the solution. Some common examples of bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). For example, when sodium hydroxide dissolves in water, it dissociates as follows:NaOH→Na++OH−\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^-NaOH→Na++OH−
The hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are responsible for the basic (or alkaline) nature of the solution. A higher concentration of OH⁻ ions corresponds to a higher pH, indicating a stronger base.
In addition to the Arrhenius theory, the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases provides a broader view. According to Brønsted-Lowry, a base is any substance that can accept a proton (H⁺), and while this doesn’t always involve hydroxide ions directly, many bases, like sodium hydroxide, work by accepting protons indirectly through their OH⁻ ions.
Thus, the formation of hydroxide ions in a water solution is characteristic of bases, making the original statement true.
