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Which of the following is the product of the neutralisation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH)?
Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid
Sodium chloride and water
Sodium chloride and hydrogen gas
Sodium hydroxide and water
Sodium chloride and water
When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a neutralisation reaction takes place. This chemical reaction produces sodium chloride (Na┬аCl), commonly known as table salt, and water (H2тАЛO).
When hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a neutralisation reaction takes place. This chemical reaction produces sodium chloride (Na┬аCl), commonly known as table salt, and water (H2тАЛO).
Think of acid and base as two opposing forces like hot water and cold water mixing together; when combined in equal proportions, they cancel out each other's extreme properties to produce neutral lukewarm water and harmless dissolved salt.
Remember: Acid + Base тЖТ Salt + Water
HCl+NaOHтЖТNa┬аCl+H2тАЛO тАФ Overall neutralisation reaction
H++OHтИТтЖТH2тАЛO тАФ Net ionic equation for neutralisation
Neutralisation is a chemical process where an acid reacts with a base to form salt and water. In this specific reaction, the hydrogen ions (H+) from the strong acid HCl combine with the hydroxide ions (OHтИТ) from the strong base NaOH to form neutral water molecules (H2тАЛO). Simultaneously, the sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (ClтИТ) remain in solution, crystallizing as sodium chloride (Na┬аCl) upon evaporation.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong mineral acid with pH close to 0-1.
Sodium hydroxide is a strong caustic alkali with pH close to 13-14.
The resulting solution of Na┬аCl and H2тАЛO is neutral with a pH of 7 at 25┬░C.
Neutralisation reactions are typically exothermic, releasing heat energy.
Produces common salt which is vital for human consumption and industrial use.
Safely neutralizes hazardous acidic or basic laboratory and industrial wastes.
Strong neutralisation reactions release significant thermal energy which can cause splashing if not carefully controlled.
Treatment of acidic soil in agriculture using slaked lime or bases.
Antacids used in medicine to neutralize excess stomach acid (HCl).
Option A is incorrect because reactants cannot be products of their own combination.
Option C is incorrect because hydrogen gas is evolved when active metals react with acids, not during acid-base neutralisation.
Option D is incorrect because sodium hydroxide is consumed, not produced.
B is correct тАФ The reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide yields sodium chloride and water.
Always remember that the reaction of any strong acid with a strong base yields a neutral salt and water with an enthalpy of neutralisation of approximately тИТ57.1┬аkJ/mol.