Bases & Alkalis
Definitions, Neutralisation & Application — 15 Questions · 30 Total Marks
The Core Concept
Think of bases and alkalis like a family tree. ALL alkalis are bases — but not all bases are alkalis. The key test: "Can it dissolve in water to release OH⁻ ions?" If YES → alkali. If NO → base only. Copper(II) oxide is a base. Sodium hydroxide is both.
What type of compounds are bases usually?
Define the term alkali.
State one property that all alkalis have in common.
Explain the difference between a base and an alkali.
Name two common laboratory alkalis.
Complete the word equation: Acid + Base →
Complete and balance the symbol equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → ?
Write the word equation for the reaction between sulfuric acid and copper(II) oxide.
Write the balanced symbol equation, including state symbols, for the reaction between nitric acid (HNO₃) and potassium hydroxide (KOH).
Describe, using the concept of ions, what happens during a neutralisation reaction between a strong acid and a strong alkali.
Copper(II) oxide reacts with sulfuric acid but does not dissolve in water. Is it a base or an alkali? Explain your answer.
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) dissolves readily in water. Identify it as a base, an alkali, or both, and justify your answer.
A student adds excess copper(II) oxide to dilute hydrochloric acid. Describe what you would observe and write a word equation for the reaction.
Ammonia solution (NH₃(aq)) is an alkali. Explain why, even though it does not contain OH⁻ ions directly.
A farmer's soil is too acidic (pH 5). Suggest a substance the farmer could add to neutralise it, and explain, using the definition of a base, why it works.
📊 My Score
0/15 answered🧪 The 3 Golden Rules for This Topic
- 1. All alkalis are bases. Not all bases are alkalis (solubility is the key test).
- 2. Neutralisation: Acid + Base → Salt + Water (always both products, always state symbols).
- 3. Alkalis produce OH⁻ ions in solution — this is the definition that earns marks.
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