Question

Is CaO an alkali or a base?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the chemical formula of calcium oxide is CaO. It is an ionic compound. In which calcium loses its two electrons to polyatomic hydroxide ions. Although oxygen and hydrogen atoms of polyatomic hydroxide anion possess covalent bonds between them.

Complete answer:
As we know that the commercial production of calcium hydroxide is done by treating quicklime with water. Calcium oxide is commonly known as quicklime. The process of production of calcium hydroxide from lime is called slaking of lime as when a limited quantity of water is mixed with quicklime it disintegrates and crumbles. Acids are those chemical substances that when dissolved in water they release ions. Acids are sour in taste.
Acid conducts electricity. They turn blue litmus red. Examples of acids are Acetic acid and citric acid. Bases are those chemical substances that when dissolved in water they release ions. The metal oxides are basic. The metal oxides react with the acid. In reaction with the acid, the metal oxides form salt and the water. The metal hydroxides are also alkaline and these release the hydroxide ions in the solution. When the metal oxides are reacting with the water, they form strong bases. The calcium oxides when reacting with the water form a strong base.
Therefore, Calcium oxide is a base.

Note:
Remember that they can also conduct electricity and they turn red litmus blue. Bases are bitter in taste. Examples of bases are Caustic soda and washing soda. The reaction between the acid and base to form a salt and water is called the neutralization reaction.