Sodium hydroxide, NaOH, is considered to be basic in nature.
Bases are considered to be proton acceptors. In solution, sodium hydroxide separates into sodium and hydroxide ions. The hydroxide ion is then free to accept protons (H+). Therefore, NaOH is basic is nature.
Besides being proton acceptors, there are other unique characteristics that bases share. For example, bases feel slippery when touched, taste bitter when ingested, turn red litmus paper blue, generally contain metal oxides or hydroxide ions, and have a pH that is greater than 7.
On the other hand, acids are considered to be proton donors. Acids also share unique characteristics. Acids taste sour when ingested, can react with most metals to form hydrogen gas, and turn litmus paper red. Acids have a pH that is less than 7.
Neutralization reactions occur when a base reacts with an acid to form water and a salt.
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