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Alkali Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alkali

[หˆรฆl.kษ™.laษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemistry, base

Alkali refers to a subset of bases that are soluble in water and have a pH greater than 7. Common examples include sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Alkalis produce hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water, which is responsible for their basic properties. They are fundamental in various chemical processes and have applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, and agriculture.

Synonyms

base, lye, soda.

Examples of usage

  • Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali used in soap making.
  • The alkali content in the soil can affect plant growth.
  • Be cautious when handling alkalis as they can cause chemical burns.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Alkalis are bases that dissolve in water and release hydroxide ions, making them essential in chemistry and industry.
  • Common alkalis include sodium hydroxide (used in soap) and potassium hydroxide (used in fertilizers).
  • In chemistry, alkalis are characterized by a pH level greater than 7, meaning they can neutralize acids.

History

  • Alkaline salts were originally derived from the ashes of certain plants, which made them vital for early soap making.
  • The use of alkalis in glazing pottery dates back thousands of years, highlighting their importance in ancient civilizations.
  • During the Industrial Revolution, alkali production became integral for manufacturing processes like glass and soap.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'alkali' may not often come up in daily conversation, but it appears in various environmental discussions about water quality.
  • In films focusing on chemistry, characters may use alkalis in experiments to demonstrate reactions with acids.
  • Educational shows sometimes highlight alkalis in safely neutralizing spills, promoting awareness about chemical safety.

Health

  • Certain foods, known as alkaline foods, are believed to help balance the body's pH levels, although science supports this to a limited extent.
  • In healthcare, alkaline solutions are used in some medical cleaning products to ensure a sterile environment.
  • The idea of an 'alkaline diet' became popular, claiming that foods can impact body health through acidity and alkalinity.

Origin of 'alkali'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'alkali' comes from the Arabic 'al-qalyโ€™, which means 'the ashes of saltwort plants'.
  • It was introduced to European languages during the Middle Ages by alchemists exploring the properties of substances.
  • Its modern use dates back to the 16th century when chemists used it to describe basic compounds derived from plants.

The term 'alkali' originates from the Arabic word 'al-qaly', meaning 'the ashes of the saltwort plant'. This historical connection highlights the early use of ash in producing alkalis. The word made its way into Latin as 'alkali', and later into Middle English, where it began to take on its modern chemical meanings. The scientific understanding of alkalis flourished in the context of alchemy and later the emergence of chemistry as a science. Throughout history, alkalis have been significant for various applications ranging from early pottery and soap-making to modern industrial processes, showcasing their enduring importance in both science and daily life.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,048 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.