Question

How would you describe 'alkali'?

a) A class of compounds with common properties of tasting bitter and turning red litmus paper blue.
b) Chemical compounds neutralizing or effervescing with acids, turning litmus red.
c) Substances typically found in acids, turning litmus paper blue.
d) Compounds causing a sour taste and turning litmus paper red."

Answer 1

An 'alkali' is best described as a class of compounds that taste bitter, feel slippery, turn red litmus paper blue, and can neutralize acids.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to describe 'alkali,' we must first understand that alkalis are a subgroup of base compounds. Alkalis are specifically the bases that are soluble in water. The most appropriate description for an alkali among the options given would be: a) A class of compounds with common properties of tasting bitter and turning red litmus paper blue. This is because bases and alkalis exhibit particular properties: they have a bitter taste, are slippery to the touch, turn litmus paper blue, and can neutralize acids. This neutralization is found in everyday life, for example, when antacids, which are bases, neutralize excess stomach acid.