Chemistry
2006-12-10 07:17:26 · 10 answers · asked by Johan P 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Base refers to a chemical with a pH above 7. Alkali is an adjective used to describe a base. It has the same meaning as "basic solution" or a base.
2006-12-10 07:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by nikesh_kapadia1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Base is a general term for a compound that will react with and neutralise an acid. Alkali is an older term which I was taught was now only used for water-soluble bases. However, according to Wikipedia, alkali is preferably only used for bases containing alkali or alkaline earth elements. It is probably best to avoid using the word alkali for bases.
2006-12-10 08:08:59 · answer #2 · answered by beernutuk 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All alkalis are bases. But alkalis are bases which can dissolve in water so alkalis are a sub-group of bases. A base which will not dissolve in water e.g. copper oxide is not an alkali - just a base.
2006-12-10 13:01:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Phew - interesting answer and could be based upon context. People tend to use them interchageably when sometimes it is not appropriate. 'Base' is ambiguous'.
Alkali - Solution with a pH > 7
Alkali - Could be a metal e.g. Na, K etc are 'alkali earth metals'
Alkali - Something with 'basic' properties
Base - A proton acceptor (Bronstead-Lowry theory)
Base - Releases hydroxide in solution (Arrhenius, Lewis theory)
Base - Species with an unshared pair of electrons that can form a bond
Base - Used to 'mop up' protons or deprotonate species in chemical syntheses
Base - potential to hydrogen bond
Base - does not have to be nucleophilic (ie -ve charged) e.g. NH3 (neutral) has basic properties
:)
2006-12-12 22:55:44 · answer #4 · answered by Clare M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A alkali is a soluble base e.g. Sodium Hydroxide. An example of a base would be something such as Copper Oxide, a black powder that doesn't dissolve in water.
2006-12-10 20:54:29 · answer #5 · answered by Older&Wiser 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A soluble base is an alkali.
Examples of alkali: NaOH, KOH, aqueous ammonia.
Other bases: MgO, CuO, Fe2O3.
2006-12-10 09:44:11 · answer #6 · answered by Kemmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
zilch.
Bases are another word for alkalis - acids and alkalis or acids and bases - take your pick.
2006-12-10 07:20:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
None
2006-12-11 01:52:07 · answer #8 · answered by Stannnn 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They are one and the same - two names, one thingymebob.
2006-12-10 07:20:51 · answer #9 · answered by ashypoo 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
nothing
2006-12-11 05:14:56 · answer #10 · answered by dream theatre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋