Which of the following are commonly recognized strong bases in the laboratory?

Strong bases are substances that fully dissociate in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The most commonly recognized strong bases in the laboratory include alkali metal hydroxides such as lithium hydroxide (LiOH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and potassium hydroxide (KOH).

These hydroxides all dissolve completely in water, leading to a high concentration of hydroxide ions, which are responsible for the strong basic properties. This full dissociation is what distinguishes strong bases from weak bases, which only partially dissociate in solution.

In contrast, the other options included substances that do not meet the criteria for being classified as strong bases. For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3) are all strong acids, not bases. Acids and bases are part of different categories in acid-base chemistry, and mixing them up can lead to misconceptions.

The selection of LiOH, NaOH, and KOH as strong bases highlights the importance of recognizing the primary strong bases typically used in laboratory settings for their effectiveness in various chemical reactions and pH adjustments.