Words / B2

ALK-uh-leye/ˈælkəlaɪ/

An alkali is a soluble base that forms a solution with pH above 7: a strong alkali; alkali metals. A base is the broader class; acid sits opposite; alkaline is the adjective. Name the alkali in the titration, then the pH. Mix-up: alkali vs alcohol (already in the dictionary); algae; do not write alkali for a solid insoluble base unless the source says it dissolves.

Meaning

A soluble base that forms a solution with pH above 7.

Examples

• “Name the alkali in the titration, then the pH, not a cleaning slogan.”
• “An alkali metal featured in Group 1 of the periodic table, which is the element sense — still name Li, Na, or K if given.”

Good to know

a strong / dilute alkali; alkali metals; alkaline solution. Broader: base. Opposite: acid. Adjective: alkaline. Trap: alcohol. Chemistry. A soluble base — quote the pH or name the Group 1 metal.

Near in meaning

base, alkaline solution, lye

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