All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Consider the following statements regarding bases and alkalis :
1. All bases dissolve in water.
2. Bases which are soluble in water are called alkalis.
3. An alkali is soapy to touch, bitter and corrosive.
4. Addition of water to an alkali generates heat.
Which of the statements given above are correct ?

This question was previously asked in
CDS 1 2026 Maths Question Paper (12-Apr-2026)
The correct answer is
2, 3 and 4 only

Analyzing Statements on Bases and Alkalis

This question requires evaluating the correctness of four statements concerning bases and alkalis. Let's examine each statement:

Statement 1: All bases dissolve in water.

This statement is incorrect. While all alkalis are bases, not all bases are alkalis. Bases are compounds that can accept protons or donate electron pairs. Only those bases that dissolve in water are defined as alkalis.

Statement 2: Bases which are soluble in water are called alkalis.

This statement is correct. This is the precise definition of an alkali in chemistry. Alkalis are a subset of bases that exhibit solubility in water.

Statement 3: An alkali is soapy to touch, bitter and corrosive.

This statement is correct. These are indeed characteristic properties of alkalis. They often feel slippery or soapy due to saponification of skin oils, taste bitter (though tasting chemicals is strongly discouraged), and can cause damage to materials and living tissues (corrosive).

Statement 4: Addition of water to an alkali generates heat.

This statement is correct. The process of dissolving an alkali (or an acid) in water is typically exothermic. This means that the dissolution process releases energy in the form of heat, causing the temperature of the solution to rise.

Summary of Correct Statements

Based on the analysis:

  • Statement 1 is incorrect.
  • Statement 2 is correct.
  • Statement 3 is correct.
  • Statement 4 is correct.

Therefore, the statements that are correct are 2, 3, and 4.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Number of electrons present in the species H2, He, H2 and O2 respectively are:


Important Questions from Acids, Bases & Salts

  1. When a large amount of carbon dioxide dissolves in a water body, the water becomes acidic because of the formation of which of the following acids?

  2. Which one of the following oxides is a neutral oxide?

  3. Which of the following solutions is slightly acidic due to hydrolysis?
  4. Which of the following foods would you advise to neutralise excess stomach acids?
  5. What is the primary contributor to the sour taste in foods like lemons, vinegar and yoghurt?
Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
NDA
September 13, 2026
CDS
September 13, 2026
Test Series
CDS img
Defence
UPSC CDS 2026 Mock Test Series
540 Tests 4 Tests Free
1130 Attempts
4.3(168)
English, Hindi
More Questions from CDS

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App