Introduction

In the field of chemistry, you often hear the terms "alkali" and "base." Both are related to the concept of pH and aqueous solutions that can have an alkaline or basic effect. In this article, we are going to explain the difference between alkali and base.

What is a foundation?

A base is any substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+) in an aqueous solution. This causes the pH of the solution to increase and become more basic. Bases are found in many cleaning products, such as laundry detergents. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a common example of a base.

Types of bases

There are different types of bases, each of which has different properties and uses. These include:

• Metallic bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), which are used in soap making and industrial processes.
• Organic bases, which contain the element nitrogen in their molecular structure, such as urea.
• Ammonium bases, which contain one nitrogen atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, such as ammonia (NH3).

What is an alkali?

Unlike a base, an alkali is a water-soluble base. Alkalis are used both in the manufacture of chemicals and in the food industry. They are often used to neutralize acids. Common examples of alkalis include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3).

How are they different?

In summary, all bases are substances that accept hydrogen ions (H+) in aqueous solution, which increases the pH. However, not all water-soluble bases are considered alkalis. The main difference between a base and an alkali is that an alkali is a water-soluble base.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is an important difference between alkali and base. To remember the difference, we can say that all alkalis are bases, but not all bases are alkalis. We hope this article has been useful to you.

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