Question

Is NaH a stronger base than NaOH?

Answer 1

Strong acid: Any acid that entirely ionizes in solutions is considered a strong acid. This indicates that when dissolved in a solution, it emits the most hydrogen ions or protons. Example: Hydrochloric acid($\mathbf{HCl}$).

Strong base: A base that totally dissociates in an aqueous solution is referred to as a strong base. These substances produce one or more hydroxide ions (${\mathbf{OH}}^{\mathbf{-}}$) per base molecule when they ionize in water. Example: Lithium hydroxide($\mathbf{LiOH}$).

1. Yes, sodium hydride$\left(\mathrm{NaH}\right)$ is a stronger base as compared to sodium hydroxide$\left(\mathbf{NaOH}\right)$.
2. Sodium hydride, when dissolved in water, ionizes and produces a hydride ion $\left({\mathbf{H}}^{\mathbf{-}}\right)$ and when sodium hydroxide dissolves in water then it produces a hydroxide ion$\left({\mathbf{OH}}^{\mathbf{-}}\right)$.
3. Out of hydride ion and hydroxide ion, a hydride ion is a stronger base as compared to a hydroxide ion.

Hence, sodium hydride$\left(\mathbf{NaH}\right)$ is a stronger base than sodium hydroxide$\left(\mathbf{NaOH}\right)$.