Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, also called caustic soda, that dissolves in water to give a highly basic solution.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Sodium hydroxide is one of the most important laboratory and industrial chemicals in this chapter. It is used in soap making, paper manufacture, and cleaning processes. Because it is strongly basic, it must be handled carefully. In water it produces hydroxide ions, which give its strong basic nature.
Example
A dilute sodium hydroxide solution turns red litmus blue and has a very high pH.
Simple analogy
NaOH means strong base, strong caution.
Common confusion
Students sometimes treat sodium hydroxide as a salt because it has sodium in the name. It is actually a strong base.
Exam tip
If the question asks about NaOH, mention that it is a strong base and give one common use such as soap making.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of sodium hydroxide in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define sodium hydroxide and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain sodium hydroxide, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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