Final answer:
When equal amounts of acids and bases are mixed, they neutralize each other option (4), resulting in a neutral solution with a pH of 7. This neutralization reaction involves the reaction of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions to form water.
Step-by-step explanation:
When equal amounts of acids and bases are mixed, they will neutralize each other. This is based on the concept that an acid and a base can react to form water and salt, effectively canceling out their respective acidic and basic properties.
In the case of equal amounts of a strong acid, like hydrochloric acid, and a strong base, like sodium hydroxide, the result is a neutral solution with a pH of 7.
The reaction between an acid and a base is known as a neutralization reaction. The simplest example of this reaction is H+ from the acid reacting with OH- from the base to form water (H2O).
If the substances are strong acid and strong base, the resulting solution will not exhibit either acidic or basic characteristics, meaning that options 1) The acid becomes more concentrated, 2) The base becomes more concentrated, and 3) No reaction occurs, are all incorrect interpretations of what happens when acids and bases mix in equal amounts. The correct answer is 4) They neutralize each other.