Biology / Unit 1 Bio 0159 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Bases
Captions available
The idea
A base is a substance that decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, raising its pH.
In practice
Adding baking soda to water lowers the free hydrogen ion concentration in the mixture and raises its pH above 7.
Where people slip
Students often assume a base must contain hydroxide or taste bitter; a base only needs to lower hydrogen ion concentration, not add hydroxide directly.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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