how do you know that Al(OH)3(s) is a base?
One way is that it contains OH ions. Another is that it neutralizes acids.
Al(OH)3(s) is known to be a base because it is a metal hydroxide. To determine if a substance is a base, you can follow these steps:
1. Identify the compound's chemical formula: In this case, the compound is Al(OH)3, which consists of aluminum (Al) and hydroxide (OH) ions.
2. Look for hydroxide ions (-OH): Bases are substances that contain hydroxide ions (-OH). In Al(OH)3, the presence of OH- ions indicates that it is a base.
3. Check the metal cation: Bases generally consist of a metal cation and hydroxide ions. In Al(OH)3, the aluminum ion (Al3+) acts as the metal cation.
4. Consider the ionization of water: Bases, when dissolved in water, release hydroxide ions (OH-) that can accept hydrogen ions (H+) to form water. This process is known as the Bronsted-Lowry theory of bases. Since Al(OH)3 forms hydroxide ions when dissolved in water, it can accept protons (H+) and thus acts as a base.
Therefore, based on the presence of hydroxide ions and the ability to accept protons, Al(OH)3 is classified as a base.
To determine whether Al(OH)3(s) is a base, we need to understand its chemical properties and behavior.
One way to know whether a substance is a base is by looking at its formula. In this case, Al(OH)3 represents aluminum hydroxide. The presence of the hydroxide ion, OH-, is a characteristic of bases. Bases are substances that can accept protons (H+) or donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in chemical reactions.
Another way to determine if a substance is a base is by observing its reaction with an acid. When aluminum hydroxide reacts with an acid, it can neutralize the acid by accepting protons from it. This reaction produces water (H2O) and a corresponding salt. For example, when it reacts with hydrochloric acid (HCl), it forms water and aluminum chloride (AlCl3):
Al(OH)3(s) + 3HCl(aq) → AlCl3(aq) + 3H2O(l)
This reaction demonstrates the base-like behavior of aluminum hydroxide, as it reacts with the acid and produces water.
In summary, determining whether Al(OH)3 is a base involves recognizing the presence of the hydroxide ion (OH-) in its formula and observing its reaction with an acid, which results in the formation of water and a salt.