Question

What happens when an acid reacts with a base? Explain by taking the example of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Give an equation of the chemical reaction which takes place. What is the special name of such a reaction?

Answer 1

• When an acid reacts with a base, then salt and water are formed. The equation can be written as,

$Acid+Base\to Salt+Water$

• For example, hydrochloric acid (acid) reacts with sodium hydroxide (base) and produces sodium chloride (salt) and water. The equatio of this chemical reaction is given as,

$HCl+NAOH\to NaCl+H_{2}O$

• This is a example of a 'neutralization reaction'. In this reaction, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid neutralize each other to form sodium chloride salt which is neither acidic nor basic it is neutral.