Question

Which of the following statements is true regarding acids and bases?

• A. Acids and bases don't react with each other.
• B. Acids mixed with bases neutralize each other.
• C. Acids mixed with bases make stronger acids.
• D. Acids mixed with bases make stronger bases.

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Acids mixed with bases neutralize each other.

The explanation for the correct option (B):

• When an acid reacts with a base, it neutralizes to produce salt and Water (${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$). This reaction is known as a neutralization reaction.
• Example: $\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to \mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$
• Thus, when acids are added to bases, they neutralize each other.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

• (A) In a neutralization reaction, acids react with a base to produce salt and Water. The reaction between Hydrogen bromide ($\mathrm{HBr}$), an acid, and Potassium hydroxide ($\mathrm{KOH}$), a base, is:

$\mathrm{HBr}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{KOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to \mathrm{KBr}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

• (C) When an acid is mixed with a base, salt and Water are formed. Therefore, when an acid is added to a base, a stronger acid is not produced.
• (D) When an acid is mixed with a base, salt and Water are formed. Therefore, when an acid is added to a base, a stronger base is not produced.

Final Answer: Hence, option (B) is correct. Acids mixed with bases neutralize each other.