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(a) Write two characteristics of bases.
(b) Write the uses of any two bases.

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Hint :In chemistry, a base is any material that is oily to the touch in a water solution, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., makes red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and facilitates specific chemical reactions (base catalysis). Hydroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, calcium, etc.) and water solutions of ammonia or its organic compounds are examples of bases (amines). In water solutions, such substances emit hydroxide ions.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
In chemistry, a base is any material that is oily to the touch in a water solution, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., makes red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and facilitates specific chemical reactions (base catalysis). Hydroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, calcium, etc.) and water solutions of ammonia or its organic compounds are examples of bases (amines). In water solutions, such substances emit hydroxide ions.
Characteristics:
To conduct electricity, an aqueous base solution dissociates into ions.
It has a pH level higher than 7.
As they react with acids, they form salts.
They aid in the promotion of specific chemical reactions.
When exposed to alkali solutions, they develop a bitter taste.
Caustic bases are those that are strong or concentrated.
It switches the colour of the indicator from red to blue litmus paper.
It is capable of receiving protons from proton donors.
It has OH⁻ ions in it.
When they come into contact with acids, they respond quickly.
They're slick to the touch.
When dissolved in water, they conduct electricity.
Uses of Bases:
Calcium Hydroxide:
It is used in soils to neutralise acidity.
It's used to make whitewash and mortar.
It's a part of the Bordeaux blend, which is used to keep pests away from agricultural crops.
It's used in the development of dry painting and decorating mixes.
Sodium Hydroxide:
It's used in the production of paper, textiles, and detergents, among other things.
It is occasionally used to unblock drains in houses.
It's a common ingredient in soaps and detergents.

Note :
In chemistry, a base is any material that is oily to the touch in a water solution, tastes bitter, changes the colour of indicators (e.g., makes red litmus paper blue), reacts with acids to form salts, and facilitates specific chemical reactions (base catalysis). Hydroxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals (sodium, calcium, etc.) and water solutions of ammonia or its organic compounds are examples of bases (amines). In water solutions, such substances emit hydroxide ions.