What do bases produce in solution?

Bases produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. This is a fundamental characteristic of bases as defined by the Arrhenius theory, which states that a substance is considered a base if it increases the concentration of hydroxide ions when dissolved in water.

When a base dissolves, it either dissociates completely or partially, releasing hydroxide ions into the solution, which increases the pH and makes the solution more alkaline. This is evident in classic examples like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which dissociates in water to produce Na+ and OH- ions.

The production of hydroxide ions is what gives bases their typical properties, such as the ability to neutralize acids and their slippery texture. Understanding this foundational behavior of bases is essential for grasping broader concepts in acid-base chemistry.