Question

Gerald's science teacher mixed room temperature samples of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide in a large beaker. The solution still looked clear like water, but when the students carefully touched the beaker one at a time, it felt warm to the touch. Why did the beaker most likely feel warm?

Answer 1

The answer is A chemical reaction was producing a new substance.

Explanation- Heat is one sign that a chemical reaction is occurring. A chemical reaction produces new substances that are different from the original substances.

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid which reacts with the strong base sodium hydroxide to produce salt, water, and heat.

Answer 2

The reaction of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide is a neutralization reaction wherein a mixture of acid and base produces salt, water, and energy in the form of heat. A neutralization reaction is exothermic, thus producing heat. This is why the beaker felt warm to the touch.