Why is OH⁻ ion a strong base in water solution?
Correct answer: B. OH⁻ is the conjugate base of H₂O
- A. OH⁻ is only the base in the solution
- B. OH⁻ is the conjugate base of H₂O
- C. Strong bases dissolve completely in water and produce OH⁻ ions
- D. All bases react with water to produce OH⁻ ions
Explanation
OH⁻ is considered a strong base in water because it is the conjugate base of water, H₂O. When water loses a proton, it forms OH⁻. As a strong base, OH⁻ can readily accept protons. Option B is correct because it correctly identifies OH⁻ as the conjugate base of H₂O. Option A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the role of OH⁻. Option C is misleading because it does not address why OH⁻ is inherently a strong base, and Option D is incorrect because not all bases follow this behavior.
Last updated
About Acids, Bases and Salts
Acid and base behaviour is explained through the Bronsted-Lowry transfer of protons and the Lewis donation or acceptance of electron pairs. The topic includes pH, pOH, ionisation and water equilibrium, plus salt formation and hydrolysis, where a salt solution may become acidic, basic or neutral.
Practise Acids, Bases and Salts
314 free Acids, Bases and Salts MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 12 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
Related questions
All of the following are postulates of Arrhenius theory of ionization except
Which of the following aqueous solution will be basic?
A start of reaction, concentration of reactants are on
An acid that can act as an oxidizing, dehydrating and acid-producing agent is
Which of the following compounds is the strongest Bronsted acid