Final answer:
Household Lysol, which typically contains benzalkonium chloride, is classified as a weak base. Unlike strong acids and bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide, weak bases do not completely dissociate in solution or extensively donate hydroxyl ions, thereby not significantly affecting the pH of the solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Household Lysol is a common cleaning product that is comprised of various compounds. To understand which category it falls under, we need to specify the main ingredient. Lysol's active component is typically benzalkonium chloride, which acts as a disinfectant. This ingredient is a type of weak base because it does not completely dissociate in solution and does not extensively donate hydroxyl ions or OH^- ions. Like other weak bases, such as seawater, it does not significantly affect the pH of the solution it is mixed with. Contrarily, strong acids and bases, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), dissociate completely in solution, releasing hydrogen (H+) or hydroxide (OH^-) ions, respectively. This action changes the pH of the solution significantly, making it highly acidic or alkaline.
So in conclusion, the Lysol, which is a common example of household cleaner, can be categorized as a weak base.
Learn more about Lysol as Weak Base