Final answer:
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a typical example of a strong base that fully dissociates in water, releasing sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) into the solution. Strong bases like NaOH are known for this complete dissociation characteristic, which is essential in their categorization as strong bases.
Step-by-step explanation:
A typical example of a strong base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When NaOH is dissolved in water, it undergoes a process known as dissociation, where it separates almost completely into ions — specifically, sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH−). Strong bases like NaOH are known to dissociate to this extent due to their ionic nature, which allows them to release hydroxide ions very easily into the solution. Other examples of strong bases include potassium hydroxide (KOH) and barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), which also dissociate fully in aqueous solutions to yield their respective metal cations and hydroxide ions.
For comparison, weak bases, such as ammonia (NH3), only partially dissociate in water, releasing fewer hydroxide ions into the solution. The property of complete dissociation in water is what classifies substances like NaOH, KOH, and Ba(OH)2 as strong bases.