Which of the following is an example of a base?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a classic example of a base due to its chemical properties. Bases are substances that can accept protons (H⁺ ions) or donate pairs of valence electrons, and they typically produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water. When sodium hydroxide is dissolved, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The presence of these hydroxide ions is what gives NaOH its basic characteristics.

This makes sodium hydroxide effective as a strong base in various applications, such as in chemical manufacturing, cleaning agents, and pH adjustment in various processes. Understanding the role of hydroxide ions and the behavior of bases in aqueous solutions is essential for recognizing how they interact in chemical reactions and industrial applications.