Final answer:
A strong base is characterized by its ability to ionize completely in aqueous solution, resulting in 100% dissociation into ions. Compounds that contain hydroxyl ions, like the hydroxides of alkali and some alkaline earth metals, are examples of strong bases.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of a strong base is that it ionizes completely in an aqueous solution. This means that when a strong base is dissolved in water, it dissociates 100% into its ions. Strong bases are generally compounds that contain hydroxyl ions (OH). These include the hydroxides of alkali metals, such as lithium hydroxide (LiOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), rubidium hydroxide (RbOH), and cesium hydroxide (CsOH), as well as the hydroxides of some alkaline earth metals, like calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), strontium hydroxide (Sr(OH)2), and barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2). On the other hand, bases that do not contain hydroxyl ions in their formula, such as ammonia (NH3), are classified as weak bases because they do not completely ionize in solution.