Question detail
Explain the difference between an insoluble base and a soluble alkali when describing metal oxides.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Reactivity of metals
Question
Explain the difference between an insoluble base and a soluble alkali when describing metal oxides.
Answer
An insoluble base is a metal oxide that does not dissolve in water, so it does not produce a basic solution. A soluble alkali is a metal oxide that readily dissolves in water to give an alkaline solution, typically forming a strong base such as NaOH or KOH.
Explanation
The answer demonstrates understanding of the definition of bases and alkalis, and shows the ability to distinguish between oxides that dissolve and those that do not, directly addressing the learning objective.
Common mistake
Confusing Bases and Alkalis
Students often confuse insoluble bases with soluble alkalis, thinking all bases dissolve in water.
Remember that soluble bases are called alkalis, while insoluble bases do not dissolve in water. Use examples to differentiate between them.
Related flashcards
Flashcard 1 of 5
Related practice questions
Question 1 of 5
Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.