What is the key difference between a strong base and a weak base?

A strong base is characterized by its ability to completely dissociate in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and cations. This means that when a strong base is dissolved in water, it fully breaks down into its constituent ions, leading to a high concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution. As a result, strong bases have a higher pH and are more effective at neutralizing acids.

In contrast, a weak base only partially dissociates when dissolved in water. This means that not all of the molecules of the weak base will convert into hydroxide ions, which leads to a lower concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution compared to a strong base.

This distinction is critical in understanding the strength of bases and their behavior in chemical reactions, particularly in acid-base chemistry. The degree of dissociation directly impacts the base's ability to react with acids, as strong bases are generally more effective at neutralizing acids due to their higher concentrations of hydroxide ions.