Question

What is the pH value of base?
A.\[>7\]
B.\[<7\]
C.\[=7\]
D.None of these.

Answer 1

Hint: We know that the bases give off hydroxyl ions when they are dissolved in water. It changes red litmus paper into blue. It is bitter in taste, whereas, soapy to touch and the pH value of bases ranges from \[7\] to \[14.\]

Complete answer:
The pH of various substances decides its nature. However, bases are substances with pH values greater than 7.0. The value goes on increasing as the amount of \[{{H}^{+}}\] decreases in the solution. Strong bases are those substances that release \[O{{H}^{-}}\] ions in the solution rapidly. These ions scoop the \[{{H}^{+}}\] ion present in the solution, and as a result, increase the pH value of the solution. Thus, strong bases usually have pH values, approximately \[13\] or \[14.\] For example, sodium hydroxide is the strong base that splits in the aqueous solution to produce sodium ion and hydroxide ion.
Some other examples of strong bases include potassium hydroxide and hydroxides of alkali metals. Also, Weak bases are the substances that do not undergo complete dissociation. Bases are the substances that release \[O{{H}^{-}}\] ions when dissolved in the water. However, there is also a distinction between the strong and the weak bases. The strong bases are those that release a high concentration of \[O{{H}^{-}}\] ions. While weak bases release less concentration of \[O{{H}^{-}}\] ions. As a result, there is a decrease in \[O{{H}^{-}}\] ion concentration and an increase in pH value. Some of the examples include methylamine and ammonia.
Therefore, correct answer is option A i.e., pH of a base is greater than $7.$

Note:
Remember that the weakest acid is the Citric Acid. It is weak as compared to hydrochloric acid. The reason being citric acid releases less H ions in the water and is also categorized as the organic acid.