Alkalis and bases are often used interchangeably, but technically, they have different definitions. An alkali is a specific type of base that dissolves in water to form hydroxide ions (OH-), while a base is a substance that can neutralize an acid.
To determine if a substance is an alkali or a base, you can perform a simple pH test. Alkalis have a pH greater than 7 and turn red litmus paper blue, while bases have a pH of 7 and do not cause a change in litmus paper.
No, not all alkalis and bases are caustic or corrosive. While some strong alkalis and bases can be harmful to living organisms and cause damage to certain materials, many weak alkalis and bases are actually safe to handle and use.
Yes, alkalis and bases can be found in nature. For example, sodium hydroxide (an alkali) can be found in certain types of rocks and minerals, and ammonia (a base) is naturally produced by living organisms such as plants and animals.
Alkalis and bases have numerous everyday uses, including cleaning products, food production, and medicine. For example, sodium hydroxide is used in soaps and detergents, and ammonia is used in fertilizers and household cleaners. Bases are also used in antacids to help neutralize stomach acid.