- Amal Augustine
- January 23, 2026
Beware the Hazards of Sodium Hydroxide in Chemistry Properties and Uses
Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is an important topic because sodium hydroxide is one of the most widely used inorganic compounds in laboratories, industries, and everyday life. Sodium hydroxide is commonly known as caustic soda, and its chemical formula is NaOH. Sodium Hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is a strong base and an essential chemical in many chemical reactions and manufacturing processes.
Introduction to Sodium Hydroxide in Chemistry Properties and uses
In Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses , Sodium hydroxide is a white, crystalline, and odorless solid at room temperature. In Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses , it is highly corrosive in nature and must be handled with care. In chemistry, sodium hydroxide plays a major role in acid–base reactions, neutralization processes, and preparation of various sodium salts. Understanding Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses helps aspirants relate theoretical chemistry concepts to practical applications.
NaOH is highly soluble in water, and when dissolved, it releases a large amount of heat. This makes its dissolution an exothermic process. Due to its strong alkaline nature, sodium hydroxide completely dissociates in aqueous solution to produce sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Properties of Sodium Hydroxide
One of the most important aspects of Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is its physical and chemical properties.
Physical properties:
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Sodium hydroxide is a white solid with a soapy feel.
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It is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air.
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It has a high melting point of about 318°C.
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It dissolves readily in water, alcohol, and glycerol.
Chemical properties:
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Sodium hydroxide is a strong base.
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It reacts with acids to form salt and water (neutralization reaction).
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It reacts with acidic oxides like CO₂ and SO₂.
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It reacts with metals such as aluminium and zinc to liberate hydrogen gas.
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It reacts with ammonium salts to release ammonia gas.
These properties explain why Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is such a frequently tested topic in examinations.
Uses of Sodium Hydroxide
The discussion of Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is incomplete without understanding its wide range of applications.
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Laboratory use:
Sodium hydroxide is commonly used in titration experiments to determine the concentration of acids. It is also used to prepare standard solutions in analytical chemistry. -
Industrial uses:
NaOH is used extensively in the manufacture of soap, paper, textiles, detergents, and bleach. In the soap industry, it is used for saponification, where fats and oils react with sodium hydroxide to form soap. -
Paper and pulp industry:
Sodium hydroxide helps in removing lignin from wood pulp during paper production. -
Petroleum refining:
It is used to remove acidic impurities from petroleum products. -
Food industry:
In controlled amounts, sodium hydroxide is used for food processing, such as curing olives and pretzels. -
Water treatment:
NaOH is used to adjust the pH of water and neutralize acidic wastewater.
These applications clearly highlight the importance of Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses in both academic and real-world chemistry.
Safety and Handling
Because sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive, direct contact with skin or eyes can cause severe burns. Protective gloves and goggles must be used while handling it. This safety aspect is also an important part of Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses.
MCQs on Sodium Hydroxide in Chemistry Properties and Uses:
1.
The normality of 10% (w/v) acetic acid is:
a) 1 N
b) 1.3 N
c) 1.7 N
d) 1.9 N
Answer: c
2.
When a mixture of 10 moles of SO₂ and 16 moles of O₂ were passed over a catalyst, 8 moles of SO₃ were formed at equilibrium. The moles of SO₂ and O₂ remaining unreacted were:
a) (2, 12)
b) (12, 2)
c) (3, 10)
d) (10, 3)
Answer: a
3.
Water + CH₃OH mixture shows positive deviation from ideal solution behavior. If 100 mL water is mixed with 100 mL CH₃OH, the total volume will be:
a) 200 mL
b) Less than 200 mL due to additional H-bonding
c) More than 200 mL due to vanishing H-bonding
d) More than 200 mL because H-bonding between H₂O and CH₃OH is weaker
Answer: d
4.
0.002 M NaCl solution with 90% dissociation at 27°C has osmotic pressure equal to:
a) 0.98 bar
b) 0.94 bar
c) 0.094 bar
d) 9.4 × 10⁻⁴ bar
Answer: c
5.
Commercial H₂SO₄ contains 98 g H₂SO₄ and 2 g water. Density = 1.38 g cm⁻³. Molality of H₂SO₄ is:
a) 500 m
b) 20 m
c) 50 m
d) 200 m
Answer: a
6.
Volume of 20-volume H₂O₂ required to react with 500 mL of 1 N KMnO₄ is:
a) 224 mL
b) 280 mL
c) 140 mL
d) 56 mL
Answer: c
7.
5.0 g NaOH dissolved and diluted to 100 mL. Molarity is:
a) 0.1 M
b) 1.0 M
c) 0.125 M
d) 1.25 M
Answer: d
8.
Milk is an emulsion in which:
a) Gas is dispersed in water
b) Lactose is dispersed in water
c) Milk fat is dispersed in water
d) Solid is dispersed in water
Answer: c
9.
The normality of 26% (w/v) ammonia (density = 0.855 g mL⁻¹) is approximately:
a) 1.5
b) 0.4
c) 15.3
d) 4
Answer: c
10.
Molality of solution containing 51.2 g naphthalene in 500 mL CCl₄ is:
a) 0.250 m
b) 0.500 m
c) 0.780 m
d) 1.69 m
Answer: b
11.
In a suspension, particle diameter is of order:
a) 10 Å
b) 100 Å
c) 1000 Å
d) 2000 Å
Answer: d
12.
40 mL of x M KMnO₄ reacts with 200 mL of 0.02 M oxalic acid. Value of x is:
a) 0.04
b) 0.03
c) 0.01
d) 0.02
Answer: a
13.
0.1 m aqueous solution boils at:
a) 100.0052°C
b) 100.052°C
c) 100.0082°C
d) 100.32°C
Answer: b
14.
To prepare 3 L of 1 M NaOH using 2.5 M and 0.4 M solutions, volume of 0.4 M used is:
a) 8.7 L
b) 2.14 L
c) 1.28 L
d) 7.51 L
Answer: b
15.
Which mixture shows positive deviation from Raoult’s law?
a) CS₂ + acetone
b) Chloroform + acetone
c) Bromobenzene + chlorobenzene
d) Benzene + toluene
Answer: a
16.
Vapour pressure of solution with 3.42 g sugar in 180 g water at 100°C is:
a) 759.2 mm
b) 760 mm
c) 740 mm
d) 748.5 mm
Answer: a
17.
Volume of methanol required to prepare 4 L of 0.25 M solution (density = 0.8 kg L⁻¹) is:
a) 4 mL
b) 8 mL
c) 40 mL
d) 80 mL
Answer: c
18.
Vapour pressure of 5% urea solution is:
a) 23 mm Hg
b) 18 mm Hg
c) 31 mm Hg
d) 35 mm Hg
Answer: a
19.
Mole fraction of solute in 2.5 molal aqueous solution is:
a) 0.043
b) 0.053
c) 0.063
d) 0.073
Answer: a
20.
Solution boils at 100.413°C. Molar mass of solute is:
a) 40.96 g mol⁻¹
b) 20.48 g mol⁻¹
c) 81.96 g mol⁻¹
d) None
Answer: a
21.
Density of 3 M NaCl solution is 1.25 g/cc. Molality is:
a) 2.79 m
b) 0.279 m
c) 1.279 m
d) 3.85 m
Answer: a
22.
Number of Cl⁻ ions in 100 mL of 0.001 M HCl is:
a) 6.022 × 10²³
b) 6.022 × 10¹⁹
c) 6.022 × 10²⁴
d) 6.022 × 10²⁰
Answer: b
23.
Molarity of NO₃⁻ after mixing 2 L of 3 M AgNO₃ with 3 L of 1 M BaCl₂ is:
a) 1.2 M
b) 1.8 M
c) 0.5 M
d) 0.4 M
Answer: a
24.
Fraction of benzene originally present is:
a) 1/3
b) 1/4
c) 1/5
d) 1/6
Answer: d
25.
Wrong statement about liquids:
a) Liquids have intermolecular forces
b) Evaporation increases with decrease in surface area
c) Liquids resemble gases near critical temperature
d) Liquids are intermediate state
Answer: b
26.
Volume of O₂ evolved from 0.68 g of 20-volume H₂O₂ is:
a) 224 mL
b) 22.4 mL
c) 2.24 mL
d) 2240 mL
Answer: a
27.
Molality of solution with 200 mg urea in 40 g water is:
a) 0.825
b) 0.0825
c) 0.0498
d) 0.0013
Answer: b
28.
Molality of 2.5 g CH₃COOH in 75 g benzene is:
a) 0.565 m
b) 0.586 m
c) 0.556 m
d) 0.665 m
Answer: c
29.
Which solution has highest osmotic pressure?
a) 0.500 M C₂H₅OH
b) 0.100 M Mg₃(PO₄)₂
c) 0.250 M KBr
d) 0.125 M Na₃PO₄
Answer: a
30.
Concentration of one drop when 10 mL of 0.1 M NaCl is divided into 1000 drops is:
a) 0.01 M
b) 0.10 M
c) 0.001 M
d) 0.0001 M
Answer: b
Conclusion on Sodium Hydroxide in Chemistry Properties and Uses
In conclusion, Sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses is a vital topic that connects chemical theory with practical applications. Its strong basic nature, high reactivity, and wide industrial use make sodium hydroxide one of the most important chemicals studied in chemistry. Understanding sodium hydroxide in chemistry properties and uses helps aspirants perform laboratory experiments safely and appreciate the role of chemistry in everyday life.
Amal Augustine is the founder of ExQuizMe, a dynamic learning and quiz platform built to make education engaging, competitive, and fun. A passionate learner and an academic achiever, Amal completed his schooling at Government HSS Manjapra, graduating with 92.5% in Computer Science. He later earned his degree from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious arts and science institutions.
Currently, Amal is pursuing his Master’s degree at National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, where he continues to deepen his interest in research and technology. Throughout his school and college years, he won 50+ national-level interschool and collegiate quiz competitions, was
Beyond academics, Amal Augustine is an avid reader of science journals, a dedicated research student, and a technology enthusiast who loves programming and exploring the world of Computer Science. Through ExQuizMe, he aims to make learning accessible, enjoyable, and empowering for students across the globe.