Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base. The dissociation of NaOH in an aqueous solution is given below.
NaOH(aq) -> Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)
According to the Arrhenius definition, why is sodium hydroxide a base?
According to the Arrhenius definition, a base is a substance that dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-). In the dissociation reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it produces hydroxide ions (OH-) by breaking the bonds between the sodium ion (Na+) and the hydroxide ion (OH-) in the presence of water. Therefore, sodium hydroxide is considered a base according to the Arrhenius definition because it produces hydroxide ions in aqueous solution.
a
NaOH is a proton donor.
b
NaOH is an electron pair acceptor.
c
NaOH produces OH- ions when dissolved in water.
d
NaOH produces H+ ions when dissolved in water.