Question

When an acidic solution is mixed with a basic solution, they _________ each other forming _________ and water.

• A. neutralize
• B. salt

Answer 1

Neutralization reaction:

• When an acid reacts with a base, salt is formed along with water. This reaction is known as the Neutralisation reaction.
• Neutralization reactions are highly exothermic in nature. Thus, the temperature of the reaction increases.
• General reaction can be depicted as:

$\mathrm{Acid}+\mathrm{Base}\to \mathrm{Salt}+\mathrm{Water}$

Example of neutralization reaction:

• When Hydrochloric acid$\left(\mathrm{HCl}\right)$ reacts with Sodium hydroxide$\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$, Sodium chloride$\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$ is formed along with water$\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$.
• The chemical reaction can be depicted as:

$\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to \mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$

Thus, when an acidic solution is mixed with a basic solution, they neutralize each other forming salt and water.