Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Dissociation of Strong Bases
When a strong base like potassium hydroxide (KOH) is dissolved in water, it completely dissociates into its constituent ions. This means that KOH separates into potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-), which are free to move in the solution. This dissociation is a key characteristic of strong bases, distinguishing them from weak bases that only partially dissociate.
Recommended video:
pH and Basicity
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 indicating acidity and values above 7 indicating basicity. When KOH dissolves in water, the concentration of hydroxide ions increases, resulting in a higher pH. This increase in pH signifies that the solution becomes more basic, which can have various implications for chemical reactions and biological systems.
Recommended video:
Neutralization Reactions
Neutralization reactions occur when an acid and a base react to form water and a salt. The hydroxide ions from the dissolved KOH can react with hydrogen ions (H+) from an acid, effectively neutralizing the acid. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the outcomes of reactions involving strong bases and acids, as well as for applications in titration and buffer solutions.
Recommended video:
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds (Simplified) Concept 1