Question

Define the term base and alkali.

Answer 1

Base:

• Oxides or hydroxides of metals that react with the acid to form salts and water are called bases.
• Few examples of base are Sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$ and ammonium hydroxide $\left({\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}\right)$.

Alkali:

• An alkali is that chemical substance whose dissolution in water results in the generation of hydroxyl ions $\left({\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right)$.
• An alkali is a base but not all bases are alkali.
• Few examples of alkali are Potassium hydroxide,$\left(\mathrm{KOH}\right)$, Sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$.