Final answer:
An easy way to identify a base from its chemical formula is by looking for the presence of the hydroxide ion (OH¯) in the formula. Common bases, such as NaOH and Ca(OH)2, contain the hydroxide ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
An easy way to identify a base from its chemical formula is by looking for the presence of the hydroxide ion (OH¯) in the formula. Bases are substances that produce hydroxide ions when dissolved in water. For example, the chemical formula NaOH indicates the presence of the hydroxide ion and therefore corresponds to a base.
Another way to identify a base is by looking for certain common bases with well-known formulas, such as NaOH (sodium hydroxide) and Ca(OH)2 (calcium hydroxide) which both contain the hydroxide ion.
It is important to note that not all substances that contain OH in their formula are bases. For example, CH3OH (methanol) is an organic compound and not a base. Therefore, it is essential to consider the overall chemical properties of the substance and its behavior when dissolved in water to accurately identify a base.