A base is a substance that gives up negatively charged hydroxyl ions (OH-) When dissolved in water . Basic substances are also referred to as alkaline. Bases typically taste bitter. some common basic substances found in the kitchen include baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and liquid soap (which often includes potassium hydroxide). More potent bases include sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) and sodium hypochlorite (the most active ingredient in bleach), and these are just as corrosive and dangerous as comparable acids. When bases and acids react (and they react together rather powerfully), the substances neutralize each other and turn into water and a salt. The PH of a solution is a number from 0 to 14 that indicates how basic or acidic that solution is. Sorry, I know I've given you way more than what you asked for but, I hooed it might help if you had any more questions on bases. According to the PH scale, solutions with a PH LESS than 7 are Acidic, with the degree of acidity increasing tenfold with each declining number. A solution of 7 is NEUTRAL, pure water has a PH scale of 7. Here is the answer you really wanted. SOLUTIONS with a PH GREATER THAN 7 ARE BASIC. 8-14 IS your answer. unlike acids, with the base it's degree of alkalinity increases tenfold with each INCREASING number.