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Base
In chemistry, a substance that accepts hydrogen ions, or protons. A base reacts with an acid, neutralizing it to form a salt: acid + base ® salt + water. Metal oxides and metal hydroxides are bases; examples include copper oxide and sodium hydroxide. Bases can contain negative ions such as the hydroxide ion (OH-), which is the strongest base, or be molecules such as ammonia (NH3). Ammonia is a weak base, as only some of its molecules accept protons.
Bases that dissolve in water are called alkalis.
Inorganic bases are usually oxides or hydroxides of metals, which react with dilute acids to form a salt and water. Many carbonates also react with dilute acids, additionally giving off carbon dioxide.
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