Which of the following is an example of a base?

Potassium hydroxide is categorized as a base due to its ability to dissociate in water and produce hydroxide ions (OH-). This characteristic is essential in defining basic substances in chemistry, as bases are typically substances that can accept protons or donate a pair of valence electrons. The presence of the hydroxide ion is a key indicator, making potassium hydroxide a strong base commonly used in various industrial and laboratory settings.

In comparison, sodium chloride is a neutral salt formed from the reaction of a strong acid with a strong base and does not exhibit basic properties in solution. Ammonium nitrate is an example of an ammonium salt that can release ammonia when dissolved, but it is not classified as a base. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid and, therefore, does not fit into the category of bases. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing the properties and behaviors of various chemical substances.