What is an example of a strong base?

A strong base is defined as a substance that completely dissociates into its ions in an aqueous solution, producing a significant concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻). Group 1 hydroxides, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH), fall into this category as they fully dissociate in water, leading to a high pH and making the solution highly alkaline.

The complete dissociation of Group 1 hydroxides in water can be represented as follows:

[ \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}^+ + \text{OH}^- ]

This characteristic is what sets strong bases apart from weak bases, which only partially dissociate. For example, ammonia (NH₃) and methylamine (CH₃NH₂) are weak bases; they do not fully dissociate into hydroxide ions in solution, and hence produce a lower pH compared to strong bases like NaOH. Similarly, sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), although a strong acid, does not qualify as a strong base, as it produces hydrogen ions (H⁺) instead of hydroxide ions.

Thus, the identification of Group 1 hydroxides as strong bases accurately reflects