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Sodium hydroxide, commonly designated as caustic soda, is characterized by the chemical formula NaOH.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is widely known by the common names caustic soda and lye. Its chemical formula, NaOH, indicates it is an ionic compound composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and hydroxide anions (OH⁻).
Sodium hydroxide exhibits hydrophobic properties, actively repelling water and atmospheric moisture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Conversely, sodium hydroxide is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. This property necessitates storage in airtight containers to maintain its purity and prevent hydration.
Anhydrous sodium hydroxide typically presents as a clear, colorless liquid at standard room temperature and pressure.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pure sodium hydroxide is a white, opaque crystalline solid at room temperature. Its physical state is dependent on temperature and purity.
Sodium hydroxide is known to decompose upon melting and possesses a relatively low boiling point.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pure sodium hydroxide melts at a high temperature (318 °C) without decomposition and has a high boiling point (1,388 °C). It does not decompose upon melting.
Sodium hydroxide demonstrates high solubility in water but is notably insoluble in polar solvents such as ethanol and methanol.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is highly soluble in water and also soluble in polar solvents like ethanol and methanol. Its insolubility is characteristic of non-polar solvents.
The dissolution of solid sodium hydroxide in water is an endothermic process, characterized by heat absorption.
Answer: False
Explanation: The dissolution of sodium hydroxide in water is a highly exothermic process, releasing a significant amount of heat. This can lead to a substantial temperature increase of the solution.
A concentrated (50%) aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide exhibits a viscosity comparable to that of olive oil.
Answer: True
Explanation: Concentrated solutions of sodium hydroxide, such as a 50% solution, are significantly more viscous than water, with a viscosity comparable to that of olive oil.
Sodium hydroxide is incapable of forming hydrates; it exists exclusively in its anhydrous form.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide readily forms hydrates (NaOH·nH₂O) upon absorbing atmospheric moisture. Several hydrates exist, with the monohydrate (NaOH·H₂O) being common.
The monohydrate form of sodium hydroxide (NaOH·H₂O) possesses a stable melting point of 65.10 °C.
Answer: True
Explanation: The monohydrate form of sodium hydroxide, NaOH·H₂O, is one of the hydrates that exhibits a stable melting point, specifically at 65.10 °C.
Anhydrous sodium hydroxide crystallizes in a cubic structure, whereas its monohydrate form adopts tetragonal crystals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Anhydrous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure, not cubic. Its monohydrate also forms orthorhombic crystals, not tetragonal.
Sodium hydroxide shares chemical similarities only with potassium hydroxide and is not related to other alkali metal hydroxides.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is chemically related to all other alkali metal hydroxides (e.g., lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, rubidium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide) due to their shared group characteristics.
The molar mass of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is approximately 39.9971 grams per mole.
Answer: True
Explanation: The calculated molar mass of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), based on atomic weights, is approximately 39.9971 g/mol.
The density of solid sodium hydroxide is reported as 2.13 grams per cubic centimeter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The standard density for solid sodium hydroxide is approximately 2.13 g/cm³.
What are the common designations for sodium hydroxide, and what is its chemical formula?
Answer: Lye and Caustic Soda (NaOH)
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is commonly designated as 'lye' and 'caustic soda'. Its chemical formula is NaOH, indicating it is an ionic compound composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and hydroxide anions (OH⁻).
What characteristic property does sodium hydroxide exhibit concerning atmospheric moisture?
Answer: It is hygroscopic, readily absorbing atmospheric moisture.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is hygroscopic, meaning it has a strong affinity for water and readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. This property necessitates careful storage to prevent hydration and degradation.
Which description accurately reflects the typical physical appearance of pure sodium hydroxide?
Answer: A white, opaque crystalline solid
Explanation: Pure sodium hydroxide typically presents as a white, opaque crystalline solid under standard conditions.
What is the melting point of pure sodium hydroxide, and does it undergo decomposition upon melting?
Answer: 318 °C, without decomposition
Explanation: Pure sodium hydroxide melts at 318 °C (604 °F) without undergoing decomposition. Its boiling point is significantly higher at 1,388 °C.
In which classes of solvents does sodium hydroxide exhibit solubility?
Answer: In water and polar solvents such as ethanol and methanol.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide demonstrates high solubility in water and is also soluble in polar organic solvents like ethanol and methanol. It is generally insoluble in non-polar solvents.
How does the viscosity of a 50% sodium hydroxide solution compare to that of pure water?
Answer: It is significantly more viscous than water, comparable to olive oil.
Explanation: A 50% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide exhibits considerably higher viscosity than water, approaching that of substances like olive oil.
What is the chemical formula for sodium hydroxide, and what are its constituent ionic species?
Answer: NaOH, sodium and hydroxide ions
Explanation: The chemical formula for sodium hydroxide is NaOH. It is an ionic compound comprising the sodium cation (Na⁺) and the hydroxide anion (OH⁻).
What is the approximate molar mass of sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?
Answer: 39.9971 g/mol
Explanation: The molar mass of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), calculated from the atomic masses of sodium, oxygen, and hydrogen, is approximately 39.9971 grams per mole.
What is the standard density of sodium hydroxide?
Answer: 2.13 g/cm³
Explanation: The density of solid sodium hydroxide is approximately 2.13 grams per cubic centimeter.
Sodium hydroxide is considered suitable for use as a primary standard in titrations due to its inherent stability.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is not typically used as a primary standard in titrations because it is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture) and reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide, compromising its purity and precise concentration.
Sodium hydroxide reacts with acidic oxides like sulfur dioxide to yield sodium sulfate and water.
Answer: False
Explanation: When sodium hydroxide reacts with sulfur dioxide (SO₂), the primary product formed is sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃) and water, not sodium sulfate.
Sodium hydroxide can react with glass, leading to issues such as laboratory equipment, like stopcocks, becoming seized.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reaction of sodium hydroxide with glass, particularly in aqueous solutions, can etch the surface and cause glass joints and stopcocks to freeze or become stuck, posing a hazard in laboratory settings.
Aluminum reacts with sodium hydroxide in the presence of water to produce oxygen gas.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aluminum, being an amphoteric metal, reacts with sodium hydroxide and water to produce hydrogen gas (H₂), not oxygen gas.
Saponification is a process where sodium hydroxide reacts with fats to yield glycerol and fatty acids.
Answer: False
Explanation: Saponification involves the reaction of fats (triglycerides) with a strong base like sodium hydroxide to produce glycerol and the sodium salts of fatty acids, commonly known as soap.
Potassium hydroxide is frequently preferred over sodium hydroxide in saponification reactions due to its superior solubility in organic solvents.
Answer: True
Explanation: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) offers enhanced solubility in organic media compared to sodium hydroxide (NaOH), making it a preferred choice for certain reactions, including saponification, conducted in non-aqueous or mixed solvent systems.
Sodium hydroxide is characterized as a weak base with a high pKa value.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is a strong base. Its conjugate base, the hydroxide ion (OH⁻), has a pKa of 0.0, indicating strong basicity.
What chemical process is responsible for the slippery sensation experienced when sodium hydroxide contacts the skin?
Answer: Saponification, the reaction with endogenous skin lipids.
Explanation: The characteristic slippery feel is a result of saponification, where sodium hydroxide reacts with the natural fats and oils (lipids) present on the skin's surface, converting them into soap and glycerol.
What factors render sodium hydroxide unsuitable for use as a primary standard in quantitative titrations?
Answer: Its hygroscopic nature and absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide, compromising purity.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is not employed as a primary standard because its tendency to absorb moisture (hygroscopicity) and carbon dioxide from the air alters its precise concentration and purity, making accurate standardization difficult.
When sodium hydroxide reacts with the acidic oxide sulfur dioxide (SO₂), what is the principal product formed?
Answer: Sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃)
Explanation: The reaction between sodium hydroxide and sulfur dioxide yields sodium sulfite (Na₂SO₃) and water (H₂O). This reaction is significant in industrial gas scrubbing processes.
What potential issue arises when using sodium hydroxide solutions in conjunction with glass laboratory apparatus?
Answer: It can cause glass joints and stopcocks to seize or become permanently stuck.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide reacts slowly with glass, forming soluble silicates. This reaction can lead to the freezing or seizing of ground glass joints and stopcocks, posing a practical challenge in laboratory settings.
What gaseous product is generated when aluminum metal reacts with sodium hydroxide in an aqueous environment?
Answer: Hydrogen (H₂)
Explanation: Aluminum, an amphoteric metal, reacts with strong bases like sodium hydroxide in water to liberate hydrogen gas (H₂).
Define saponification and elucidate the role of sodium hydroxide in this reaction.
Answer: The base-catalyzed hydrolysis of esters, such as fats reacting with NaOH to yield glycerol and soap.
Explanation: Saponification is the alkaline hydrolysis of esters. When applied to fats (triglycerides), sodium hydroxide facilitates the breakdown into glycerol and fatty acid salts (soap).
Under what circumstances might potassium hydroxide (KOH) be favored over sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for specific chemical applications?
Answer: KOH exhibits superior solubility in organic solvents.
Explanation: Potassium hydroxide is often favored in reactions conducted in organic media due to its greater solubility in such solvents compared to sodium hydroxide, which can enhance reaction efficiency in non-aqueous systems.
What does a pKa value of 0.0 for the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) signify regarding the basic strength of sodium hydroxide?
Answer: It signifies that sodium hydroxide is a strong base.
Explanation: A low pKa value (0.0 for OH⁻) is characteristic of strong acids, and conversely, a high pKb (or low pKa for the conjugate acid) indicates a strong base. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base.
In the petroleum industry, sodium hydroxide is employed in 'caustic washing' processes to eliminate acidic impurities such as hydrogen sulfide.
Answer: True
Explanation: Caustic washing, utilizing sodium hydroxide, is a standard procedure in the petroleum industry to remove acidic contaminants like hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans from crude oil and natural gas.
In the Bayer process, sodium hydroxide is utilized to facilitate the separation of impurities from bauxite ore by selectively dissolving the aluminum oxide.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bayer process employs sodium hydroxide to dissolve aluminum oxide (alumina) from bauxite ore, leaving insoluble impurities behind. This is a critical step in refining aluminum.
Sodium hydroxide functions as an inhibitor in the transesterification process utilized for biodiesel production.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide acts as a catalyst, not an inhibitor, in the transesterification process for biodiesel production. However, anhydrous conditions are crucial to prevent soap formation.
Sodium hydroxide, identified by the E number E524, finds application in food preparation, including processes like fruit washing and the treatment of dough for pretzels.
Answer: True
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide, designated E524 in food applications, is used in various food processing techniques, such as peeling fruits, treating dough for baked goods like pretzels and bagels, and in the production of hominy.
The distinctive shiny crust characteristic of German pretzels is achieved through baking them without any prior alkaline treatment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The characteristic shiny crust of pretzels and bagels is developed by dipping them in a sodium hydroxide solution prior to baking, which promotes surface reactions like the Maillard reaction.
In industrial cleaning applications, sodium hydroxide is effective for dissolving protein-based deposits but ineffective against grease and oils.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is a potent industrial cleaning agent effective at dissolving both protein-based deposits and organic materials such as grease and oils through hydrolysis.
Sodium hydroxide serves as a key ingredient in drain cleaners solely due to its abrasive properties.
Answer: False
Explanation: While its exothermic reaction with water can aid in dissolving clogs, sodium hydroxide primarily functions in drain cleaners by chemically breaking down organic matter like grease, hair, and fats through hydrolysis.
Sodium hydroxide is sometimes introduced into drinking water supplies to mitigate their corrosivity.
Answer: True
Explanation: In water treatment, sodium hydroxide is added to increase the pH of water, thereby reducing its corrosivity towards metal pipes and preventing the dissolution of potentially harmful metals like lead and copper.
Sodium hydroxide is incorporated into cement mixes to increase the required water content for optimal workability.
Answer: False
Explanation: In cementitious materials, sodium hydroxide is often used as a grinding aid or plasticizer, which typically helps to reduce the amount of water needed for workability and improve homogeneity.
Approximately 25% of the total industrial consumption of sodium hydroxide is allocated to paper manufacturing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The pulp and paper industry is a major consumer of sodium hydroxide, accounting for roughly 25% of its total industrial usage.
Sodium hydroxide is employed in the production of rayon to facilitate the breakdown of cellulose fibers.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the manufacturing of rayon and other cellulosic fibers, sodium hydroxide is used in the chemical processing steps to dissolve and prepare the cellulose.
Hominy is prepared by reconstituting dried corn kernels through soaking in a sodium hydroxide solution, commonly referred to as lye-water.
Answer: True
Explanation: The traditional preparation of hominy involves nixtamalization, where dried corn kernels are soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution, typically lye-water (sodium hydroxide), which softens them and makes nutrients more available.
Sodium hydroxide is less frequently utilized in contemporary consumer hair relaxers due to its significant potential for causing chemical burns.
Answer: True
Explanation: The high risk of severe chemical burns associated with sodium hydroxide has led to its reduced use in consumer hair relaxer formulations, with alternative alkaline agents often being preferred.
What is the primary objective of 'caustic washing' within the crude oil refining industry?
Answer: To eliminate sulfurous impurities like hydrogen sulfide.
Explanation: Caustic washing utilizes sodium hydroxide solutions to effectively remove acidic sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and mercaptans, from crude oil streams.
Within the Bayer process for aluminum production, what is the specific function of sodium hydroxide?
Answer: To selectively dissolve aluminum oxide (alumina) from the bauxite ore.
Explanation: In the Bayer process, sodium hydroxide serves as the solvent to extract alumina (Al₂O₃) from crude bauxite ore. This selective dissolution allows for the separation of insoluble impurities, yielding purified alumina for subsequent aluminum smelting.
What specific role does sodium hydroxide fulfill in the industrial production of biodiesel?
Answer: It acts as a catalyst in the transesterification reaction.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide serves as a catalyst in the transesterification of triglycerides for biodiesel synthesis. Crucially, anhydrous conditions are required to prevent competing saponification reactions.
Which of the following food items is typically NOT prepared using sodium hydroxide (lye)?
Answer: Cheddar cheese
Explanation: While pretzels, hominy, and lutefisk involve sodium hydroxide treatment, cheddar cheese production does not typically utilize lye.
How does sodium hydroxide treatment contribute to the characteristic crust formation on pretzels and bagels?
Answer: By inducing a Maillard reaction on the surface following alkaline treatment.
Explanation: Dipping pretzels and bagels in a sodium hydroxide solution prior to baking induces a Maillard reaction on the surface, imparting their characteristic shiny, crisp crust and deep brown coloration.
What is the principal function of sodium hydroxide in industrial cleaning formulations?
Answer: To effectively dissolve grease, oils, and proteinaceous deposits.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is a powerful degreaser and saponifying agent, making it highly effective in industrial cleaners for removing fats, oils, greases, and protein-based soils.
In drain cleaning products, sodium hydroxide primarily functions by:
Answer: Dissolving the blockage via hydrolysis into soaps and glycerol.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide chemically breaks down organic materials commonly found in drain clogs, such as grease, hair, and food particles, through hydrolysis into water-soluble substances.
How does the addition of sodium hydroxide impact drinking water quality, particularly concerning pipe corrosion?
Answer: It reduces water corrosivity to metal pipes by increasing pH.
Explanation: By increasing the pH of drinking water, sodium hydroxide treatment helps to passivate metal pipes, thereby reducing the dissolution of corrosive elements like lead and copper.
What proportion of the total industrial utilization of sodium hydroxide is attributed to the paper manufacturing sector?
Answer: Approximately 25%
Explanation: The pulp and paper industry represents a significant market for sodium hydroxide, consuming approximately 25% of its total industrial output.
Sodium hydroxide is classified as a weak alkali and causes only minor irritation upon dermal contact.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkali and is highly corrosive. It can cause severe chemical burns upon contact with skin, particularly at higher concentrations, by decomposing lipids and proteins.
Standard cotton gloves offer adequate protection against the corrosive effects of sodium hydroxide when handling the substance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Due to its high corrosivity, standard cotton gloves are insufficient protection against sodium hydroxide. Appropriate personal protective equipment, such as chemically resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile, neoprene), safety goggles, and protective clothing, is mandatory.
Carbon steel and stainless steel are considered incompatible materials for the storage of sodium hydroxide solutions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Carbon steel and certain grades of stainless steel are generally compatible with sodium hydroxide solutions, especially at moderate temperatures. However, material selection should always consider concentration and temperature specifics.
Sodium hydroxide poses a toxicity risk to aquatic life primarily due to its capacity to significantly elevate water pH levels.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary mechanism by which sodium hydroxide is toxic to aquatic organisms is the drastic increase in water pH, which disrupts physiological processes essential for survival.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard pictograms associated with sodium hydroxide include 'flame' and 'skull and crossbones'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The GHS pictograms for sodium hydroxide typically include the corrosion symbol (GHS05) and potentially the exclamation mark symbol (GHS07), not flame or skull and crossbones.
Under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), the designated signal word for sodium hydroxide is 'Warning'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The signal word for sodium hydroxide under the GHS classification is 'Danger', reflecting its severe hazards, such as causing severe skin burns and eye damage.
A relevant precautionary statement (P-statement) for handling sodium hydroxide is P280: 'Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection.'
Answer: True
Explanation: P280 is a standard precautionary statement for corrosive substances like sodium hydroxide, emphasizing the need for appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent contact.
According to the NFPA 704 hazard rating system, sodium hydroxide is assigned a health hazard rating of 3, flammability of 0, and instability of 1.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NFPA 704 ratings for sodium hydroxide are indeed Health: 3 (serious temporary or residual injury), Flammability: 0 (will not burn), and Instability: 1 (normally stable, but can become unstable).
The reported oral LD50 value for sodium hydroxide in rats is 1350 mg/kg.
Answer: False
Explanation: The oral LD50 for sodium hydroxide in rats is typically reported in the range of 140-340 mg/kg, significantly lower than 1350 mg/kg.
The lowest published lethal dose (LDLo) for sodium hydroxide in rabbits, administered orally, is documented as 500 mg/kg.
Answer: True
Explanation: Available toxicological data indicates that the lowest published oral lethal dose (LDLo) for sodium hydroxide in rabbits is indeed 500 mg/kg.
The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for sodium hydroxide is established as a ceiling limit of 2 mg/m³.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for sodium hydroxide as a ceiling limit (C) of 2 mg/m³.
The concentration considered Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) for sodium hydroxide is 10 mg/m³.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) value for sodium hydroxide is established at 10 mg/m³, indicating the concentration at which workers could be exposed for 30 minutes without suffering irreversible health effects.
How does sodium hydroxide affect biological tissues upon direct contact, particularly at elevated concentrations?
Answer: It causes saponification of lipids and denaturation of proteins, resulting in severe chemical burns.
Explanation: Sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive. It chemically degrades lipids and proteins within tissues, leading to deep and severe chemical burns, especially when contact is prolonged or concentrations are high.
Which hazard statement is prominently associated with sodium hydroxide under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?
Answer: H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Explanation: The GHS hazard statement H314, 'Causes severe skin burns and eye damage,' accurately reflects the highly corrosive nature of sodium hydroxide.
What is the NFPA 704 rating assigned to the health hazard posed by sodium hydroxide?
Answer: 3
Explanation: In the NFPA 704 system, sodium hydroxide is assigned a health hazard rating of 3, indicating that short-term exposure can cause serious temporary or residual injury.
What is the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for sodium hydroxide?
Answer: A ceiling limit (C) of 2 mg/m³
Explanation: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a ceiling exposure limit (C) of 2 mg/m³ for sodium hydroxide.
Which material is explicitly listed as incompatible for storing sodium hydroxide solutions?
Answer: Glass
Explanation: While many plastics and steels are compatible, glass is generally considered incompatible for long-term storage of sodium hydroxide solutions due to its susceptibility to etching and reaction.
What is the significance of the 'ALK' marking within the NFPA 704 hazard rating system for sodium hydroxide?
Answer: It indicates the material is alkaline.
Explanation: The 'ALK' symbol in the NFPA 704 rating specifically denotes that the substance possesses alkaline properties, which is crucial for understanding its chemical reactivity and hazards.
What is the primary reason for the observed toxicity of sodium hydroxide to aquatic ecosystems?
Answer: It causes a significant elevation in the water's pH level.
Explanation: The high alkalinity resulting from sodium hydroxide discharge drastically alters water pH, creating an environment hostile to most aquatic life, which is the primary driver of its toxicity.
Which of the following represents a correct precautionary statement (P-statement) mandated for the safe handling of sodium hydroxide?
Answer: P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
Explanation: P301+P310 ('IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.') is a critical precautionary statement for sodium hydroxide, emphasizing the immediate need for medical attention in case of ingestion due to its severe corrosive effects.
Historically, sodium hydroxide was produced via the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide.
Answer: True
Explanation: The traditional method for producing sodium hydroxide, known as causticizing, involved reacting sodium carbonate (soda ash) with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) to precipitate calcium carbonate and yield sodium hydroxide in solution.
The chloralkali process represents the primary modern industrial method for producing sodium hydroxide, concurrently yielding chlorine as a significant byproduct.
Answer: True
Explanation: The chloralkali process, an electrolytic method, is the predominant industrial route for manufacturing sodium hydroxide today. It also produces chlorine gas and hydrogen gas as valuable co-products.
A historical diagnostic method for carbon monoxide poisoning involved observing a colorimetric change in blood treated with sodium hydroxide.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historically, a qualitative test for carbon monoxide poisoning involved adding sodium hydroxide to a blood sample; a characteristic vermilion color indicated the presence of CO.
Historical records from the 10th century detail the preparation of sodium hydroxide for soap production.
Answer: False
Explanation: While sodium hydroxide has been historically used for soap making, detailed procedures for its preparation are documented in Arab texts from the late 13th century, not the 10th century.
Lutefisk, a traditional Norwegian dish, is prepared by soaking fish in a potassium hydroxide solution.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lutefisk, meaning 'lye fish', is prepared by soaking dried whitefish in a solution of sodium hydroxide (lye), not potassium hydroxide, to achieve its characteristic gelatinous texture.
What historical method preceded the widespread implementation of the chloralkali process for sodium hydroxide production?
Answer: Causticizing: reacting sodium carbonate with calcium hydroxide.
Explanation: Prior to the development of the energy-intensive chloralkali process, sodium hydroxide was primarily produced via the causticizing process, reacting soda ash (Na₂CO₃) with slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂).