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What is the chemical definition of an alkali?
What is the chemical definition of an alkali?
An alkali is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.
How is an alkali defined in terms of its behavior in water?
How is an alkali defined in terms of its behavior in water?
An alkali can also be defined as a base that dissolves in water. A solution of a soluble base has a pH greater than 7.0.
What is the etymology of the word 'alkali'?
What is the etymology of the word 'alkali'?
The word 'alkali' is derived from Arabic al qalīy, meaning the calcined ashes, referring to the original source of alkaline substances.
What is the composition of burned plant ashes known as potash?
What is the composition of burned plant ashes known as potash?
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What was traditionally used in conjunction with animal fats to produce soft soaps?
What was traditionally used in conjunction with animal fats to produce soft soaps?
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Study Notes
Chemistry: Alkali and Its Etymology
- An alkali in chemistry is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.
- It can be defined as a base that dissolves in water, resulting in a solution with a pH greater than 7.0.
- The term "alkaline" is often used as a synonym for basic, especially for bases soluble in water.
- Alkalis were the first bases known to obey the Arrhenius definition of a base and remain among the most common bases.
- The word "alkali" is derived from the Arabic "al qalīy", meaning the calcined ashes, relating to the original source of alkaline substances.
- Potash, a water-extract of burned plant ashes, was composed mostly of potassium carbonate and mildly basic.
- Heating potash with calcium hydroxide produced caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), a far more strongly basic substance.
- Caustic potash was traditionally used with animal fats to produce soft soaps in the process of saponification, known since antiquity.
- The term "alkali" likely came about because alkalis were the first bases known to obey the Arrhenius definition of a base.
- The broad use of the term "alkaline" in English likely stems from this historical significance of alkalis.
- The historical use of caustic potash and its role in soap production highlights the practical applications of alkalis.
- The etymology of "alkali" reflects its historical association with the calcined ashes and the process of obtaining alkaline substances.
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Description
Test your knowledge of alkali and basic chemistry concepts with this quiz. Learn about the properties of alkalis, their relationship to pH, and their use as bases in chemical reactions.
