Question

Which of the following is true of a strong base like NaOH (aq)? A. it will completely dissociateB. it will not conduct a currentC. it will react with copperD. it will partially dissociate

Answer 1

Step 1 - What weak and strong mean for acids and bases?

A base, according to Arrhenius theory, is a substance that liberates OH(-) in aqueous solution.

OH(-) is the ion responsible for most of the bases properties. Therefore, a strong base will be a base that produces a lot of OH(-) by dissociation.

Usually, strong bases will dissociate completely in water, while weaker bases will ony dissociate partially.

So, for bases like NaOH, for example, we have almost no equilibrium:

$NaOH_{(aq)}\rightarrow Na_{(aq)}^++OH_{(aq)}^-$

But for weak bases such as NH4OH, we reach equilibrium:

$NH_4OH_{(aq)}\leftrightarrows NH_4_{(aq)}^++OH_{(aq)}^-$

Step 2 - Choosing the right alternative

As the exercise says, NaOH is a strong base. Therefore, it will completely dissociate. By doing so, it will be able to conduct a lot of electricity.

The correct answer is thus item A.

Answer: item A, it will completely dissociate