ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hydroxide

Hydroxide is a group of atoms made up of one oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom. Hydroxide is like a little team where oxygen and hydrogen work together as best friends. They are like two peas in a pod!

When hydroxide gets together with other atoms or molecules, it can form compounds like sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. These compounds are used in many things like soaps, cleaning products, and even in some types of medicine.

Hydroxide can also be found in nature, like in rocks and minerals. Sometimes, when it rains, the water can dissolve the rocks and minerals and pick up some hydroxide along the way. This is called a hydroxide mineral.

So, hydroxide might seem like a small little team, but it can do some big things! It's a helpful friend to many different industries and can even be found in nature.