The illustration below illustrates the configuration of a chemical compound. Which of the following descriptions most accurately characterizes the type of molecule depicted in this image? The image is: [Na] ^+ [OH]^- In the beginning before the OH there are two dots like this: : and it is right in front of the OH. There are also two dots both above and below the O in the OH. The two dots are symmetrical on top of the O and below the O in the OH. Is it a base or acid and why?

Question

A. This chemical is a base because it can release OH- ions.
B. This chemical is an acid because it can release OH- ions.
C. This chemical is a base because it can release H+ ions.
D. This chemical is an acid because it can release H+ ions.

Answer 1

To determine whether the depicted chemical compound is a base or an acid based on the given information, we need to examine its components.

The notation you provided indicates the presence of sodium (Na^+) and hydroxide (OH^-). The two dots in front of OH likely represent a pair of unshared electrons on the oxygen atom of the hydroxide ion, which is typical in Lewis structures.

In aqueous solutions, hydroxide ions (OH^-) are known to increase the pH of the solution, making it more basic. A base is characterized by its ability to accept protons (H+) or release hydroxide ions (OH^-).

Therefore:

A. This chemical is a base because it can release OH- ions. — This is correct because the presence of OH^- suggests it contributes to basicity.

B. This chemical is an acid because it can release OH- ions. — This is incorrect; acids release H+ ions, not OH^-.

C. This chemical is a base because it can release H+ ions. — This is incorrect; bases do not release H+ ions; they accept them.

D. This chemical is an acid because it can release H+ ions. — This is incorrect; while acids release H+ ions, the presence of OH^- indicates this is not the case here.

Thus, the most accurate characterization based on the information provided is:

A. This chemical is a base because it can release OH- ions.