Question

Complete the balanced neutralization equation for the reaction below. Be sure to include the proper phases for all species within the reaction.

Answer 1

A neutralization reaction typically involves an acid reacting with a base to produce a salt and water. To balance the equation, one must identify the acid and base, write the salt's formula, add water as a product, and ensure all atoms are balanced in the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

To complete the balanced neutralization equation, it's important to know the general form for such a reaction. Typically, an acid (HA) reacts with a base (BOH) to produce a salt (BA) and water (H₂O), represented by the equation HA(aq) + BOH(aq) → BA(s) + H₂O(l). The phases are indicated as (aq) for aqueous solutions and (l) for liquids in water and (s) for solids that might precipitate.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. Identify the reacting acid and base including their chemical formulas.
2. Write the chemical formula of the salt that would form from the cation of the base and the anion of the acid.
3. Put the water on the product side of the equation.
4. Balance the chemical equation by ensuring that there are equal numbers of each atom on both sides of the equation.

If we consider the neutralization of hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the balanced equation, including phases, would be:

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)