Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda or lye, is a highly caustic metallic base and alkali chemical compound. It is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaOH.

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight: 40.00 g/mol
Appearance: White, opaque solid
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in water
Melting Point: 318 °C
Boiling Point: 1,388 °C

Chemical Properties

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base and a key ingredient in many chemical processes. It is highly reactive and has numerous industrial and laboratory applications. Some of its chemical properties include:

It readily reacts with acids to form salts and water in a process known as neutralization.
It is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air.
It is a powerful dehydrating agent.
It is used in the production of various organic and inorganic compounds, including soaps, detergents, and paper.

Uses

Sodium hydroxide has a wide range of applications in various industries, including:

Chemical manufacturing
Soap and detergent production
Paper and pulp industry
Textile processing
Water treatment
Food production (e.g., in the processing of vegetables and fruits)

Safety Precautions

Due to its caustic nature, sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns upon contact with skin or eyes. When handling sodium hydroxide, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing.
Avoid inhaling its dust or vapors.
Handle it in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
If it comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention immediately.

Study Guide

When studying sodium hydroxide, it is important to familiarize yourself with its properties, uses, and safety considerations. Here are some key points to focus on:

Understand the chemical structure and formula of sodium hydroxide.
Learn about the physical and chemical properties of sodium hydroxide, including its reactivity and solubility.
Explore the various industrial and laboratory applications of sodium hydroxide.
Review the safety precautions and handling guidelines for working with sodium hydroxide.
Consider conducting experiments or demonstrations to observe the properties and reactions of sodium hydroxide in a controlled setting.

◂Physics Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Thermodynamics

The resources above cover the following skills:

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (NGSS)

Matter and Its Interactions

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.

Energy

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known.

Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the system (second law of thermodynamics).