Question

What is meant by a strong base? Are the strong bases also strong electrolytes? Explain.

Short answer

A strong base is a substance that readily dissociates into its constituent ions, such as hydroxide ions (OH-), when dissolved in water. Strong bases, like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), are also strong electrolytes due to their complete ionization in the solution, leading to high electrical conductivity. The high ion concentration, including hydroxide ions and the cation of the strong base, makes the solution more basic and conductive.

Step-by-step solution

1. Define a strong base #

A strong base is a substance that readily dissociates into its constituent ions when dissolved in water, resulting in a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. These bases have a high affinity for protons (H+), which allows them to react completely with acids to form water molecules and the corresponding salts. Some examples of strong bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).

2. Define a strong electrolyte #

A strong electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water, completely breaks apart into its constituent ions, resulting in a high concentration of ions in the solution. This high ion concentration allows the solution to conduct electricity effectively, as the ions can move freely to create a continuous flow of electrical current. Examples of strong electrolytes include strong acids, strong bases, and soluble salts.

3. Relationship between strong bases and strong electrolytes #

Strong bases are also considered strong electrolytes because they completely dissociate into ions when they dissolve in water. The high concentration of ions, including hydroxide ions (OH-) and the cation of the strong base (such as Na+ in sodium hydroxide), allows the solution to conduct electricity effectively. Thus, strong bases not only increase the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution, making it more basic, but they also create solutions with high electrical conductivity due to their complete ionization.

4. Summary #

Strong bases are substances that readily dissociate into their constituent ions in an aqueous solution, resulting in a high concentration of hydroxide ions. They are also considered strong electrolytes because they completely ionize in solution, leading to high electrical conductivity.