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What pH range indicates a strong base?

  1. 6.0 - 7.0

  2. 7.1 - 8.0

  3. 8.1 - 10.0

  4. 11.2 - 12.0

The correct answer is: 11.2 - 12.0

A pH range of 11.2 to 12.0 indicates a strong base because the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 are considered acidic, 7 is neutral, and values above 7 are alkaline (basic). The higher the pH value, the more basic the solution becomes. A pH in the range of 11.2 to 12.0 suggests a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution, characteristic of strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH). These substances dissociate completely in water, leading to a significant increase in pH. In contrast, the lower ranges such as 6.0 to 7.0 indicate an acidic to neutral condition, while ranges like 7.1 to 8.0 and 8.1 to 10.0 suggest weak to moderate bases. Therefore, only the range of 11.2 to 12.0 effectively denotes a strong base due to its position further along the pH scale.