Final answer:
Sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium sulfate and water, following a balanced chemical equation that shows the neutralization of a diprotic acid with a base in a 1:2 mole ratio.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sulfuric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, the products formed are sodium sulfate and water. The balanced chemical equation for this neutralization reaction is: H₂SO₄ (aq) + 2NaOH (aq) → Na₂SO₄ (aq) + 2H₂O(l)
To fully neutralize sulfuric acid, which is a diprotic acid (has two hydrogen ions that can be donated), two moles of sodium hydroxide are required for every mole of sulfuric acid. This is demonstrated in the balanced chemical equation where there is a 1:2 mole ratio of sulfuric acid to sodium hydroxide. Sodium sulfate, the salt formed, is soluble in water, leading to an aqueous solution of Na₂SO₄ and liquid water as the final products. This reaction is an example of a typical acid-base neutralization where an acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water.