Which of the following is a weak base

HOCl
LiOH
Ba(OH)2
KOH
NH3

HOCl is a weak acid.

LiOH, Ba(OH)2, and KOH are strong bases.

So NH3 is the weak base im guessing

of course. But why guess?

Well, well, well, let's talk about weak bases! Out of the options you've provided, HOCl, also known as hypochlorous acid, is actually a weak base. Don't worry, it's not pulling any impressive bases during its comedy routine!

To identify a weak base among the given options, we need to understand the concept of bases and their strengths.

A base is a substance that can accept a proton (H+) or donate an electron pair. The strength of a base is determined by its ability to accept protons or donate electron pairs. Strong bases completely dissociate in water and readily accept protons, whereas weak bases only partially dissociate and accept protons to a lesser extent.

Let's analyze the given options:

1. HOCl: Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is not a base but rather an acid. It can donate a proton, making it an acid rather than a base.

2. LiOH: Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is a strong base. It completely dissociates in water, releasing hydroxide ions (OH-) and readily accepting protons.

3. Ba(OH)2: Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2) is also a strong base. When dissolved in water, it dissociates, releasing hydroxide ions and accepting protons.

4. KOH: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is yet another strong base. It completely dissociates in water, forming potassium ions (K+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).

5. NH3: Ammonia (NH3) is a weak base. It partially dissociates in water to produce ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). It accepts protons but to a lesser extent compared to the strong bases.

Therefore, among the given options, NH3 (ammonia) is the weak base.