Here's why:
* Ammonium hydroxide is a weak base: It exists in equilibrium with ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O). Only a small fraction of ammonium hydroxide molecules actually ionize to form hydroxide ions (OH-).
* Sodium hydroxide is a strong base: It completely ionizes in solution, meaning all of its molecules dissociate into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
Therefore, sodium hydroxide produces a much higher concentration of hydroxide ions in solution, making it a much stronger base than ammonium hydroxide.
To summarize:
* Strong bases: Completely ionize in solution, producing a high concentration of hydroxide ions.
* Weak bases: Only partially ionize in solution, producing a low concentration of hydroxide ions.