Which ions are present in an aqueous solution of NaOH?

• A. Na^+ and Cl^-
• B. Na^- and OH^+
• C. Na^2+ and OH^-
• D. Na^+ and OH^-

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recognize that NaOH is a strong base and an ionic compound composed of sodium (Na) and hydroxide (OH) ions.
2. When NaOH dissolves in water, it dissociates completely into its constituent ions due to its strong ionic nature.
3. Write the dissociation equation for NaOH in water: \(\mathrm{NaOH_{(s)} \rightarrow Na^{+}_{(aq)} + OH^{-}_{(aq)}}\).
4. Identify the ions present in the aqueous solution as sodium ions (\(Na^{+}\)) and hydroxide ions (\(OH^{-}\)).
5. Confirm that other options such as \(Na^{-}\), \(OH^{+}\), or \(Na^{2+}\) are not chemically correct for NaOH in aqueous solution.