Bases

What about bases though? Day-to-day, the term "base" is often used interchangeably with the word "alkali".

Although their methods are slightly different, both alkalis and bases increase the pH value of a solution by reducing the concentration of H⁺.

To illustrate the differences in the action of alkalis and bases, have a look at the picture on the right of a beaker of acid. Note that there are more H⁺ ions than OH^- ions. When alkali (free OH^- ions) are added, the solution is initially neutralised. Then as more alkali is added, it becomes alkaline.

A base, however, is a molecule other than a OH^- ion which can bind to free H⁺ ion.

So, a basic solution does not add more OH^- ions to the solution, it just removes the extra H⁺ ions.

When a base is added to the beaker of acid, note that the concentration of H⁺ decreases but the concentration of OH^- does not increase.

In summary, a base is a molecule which can bind to free H⁺ ions.