In chemistry, an alkali (/ ˈ æ l k ə l aɪ /; from the Arabic word al-qāly, القالِي) is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. An alkali can also be defined as a base that dissolves in water. A solution of a soluble base has a pH greater than 7.0.

Mar 7, 2025 · Alkali, any of the soluble hydroxides of the alkali metals—i.e., lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Alkalies are strong bases that turn litmus paper from red to blue; they react with acids to yield neutral salts; and they are caustic and in concentrated form are corrosive to organic

Aug 29, 2023 · The alkali metals are a group of elements in the periodic table with similar properties: They are all shiny, silvery-white, highly reactive metals. The alkali metals are lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs) and francium (Fr).

The meaning of ALKALI is a soluble salt obtained from the ashes of plants and consisting largely of potassium or sodium carbonate; broadly : a substance (such as a hydroxide or carbonate of an alkali metal) having marked basic properties. How to use alkali in a sentence.

Nov 22, 2017 · Alkali metals are the group 1 metals of the periodic table whereas alkaline earth metals are in the group 2. The main difference between alkali and alkaline is that alkali metals have one valence electron whereas alkaline earth metals have two valence electrons.

An alkali is where a base is dissolved in water. Often it is the salt of an Alkali metal. An alkali is the opposite to an acid and can be neutralized (brought down to pH seven) by adding acid.

Jan 1, 2025 · An alkali in chemistry is a soluble base substance. They neutralise any acids they come into contact with, and have a pH above 7. This makes them indispensable in chemical testing processes.

The Group 1 metals have a particular name: the alkali metals. This is due to the formation of alkali (basic) solutions upon their reaction with water. Table \(\PageIndex{3}\).1 lists the derivation of the names of the alkali metals.

Mar 28, 2025 · Alkali metal, any of the six elements of Group 1 (Ia) of the periodic table—lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. The alkali metals are so called because reaction with water forms alkalies (i.e., strong bases capable of neutralizing acids).

May 14, 2018 · alkali (ăl´kəlī) [Arab., al-gili=ashes of saltwort], hydroxide [1] of an alkali metal [2]. Alkalies are readily soluble in water and form strongly basic solutions with a characteristic acrid taste. They neutralize acids, forming salts and water.