Question

For the reaction of HCl and NaOH, which of the following type of chemicals will appear in the net equation?

a. weak acid

b. weak base

c. salt

d. water

Answer 1

In the reaction between HCl and NaOH, water and a salt (NaCl) appear in the net equation, resulting from the neutralization of a strong acid and a strong base.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the reaction of HCl and NaOH, the types of chemicals that will appear in the net equation are water and a salt. This reaction is a classic example of a neutralization reaction, where a strong acid (HCl) reacts with a strong base (NaOH), resulting in the production of NaCl (a salt) and H₂O (water). Neither a weak acid nor a weak base is produced in this reaction.

The complete balanced chemical equation is:

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

This reaction showcases the acid and base neutralizing each other to form water and an ionic compound known as a salt. Particularly, in this instance, hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) react to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a neutral salt because it does not affect the acidity or basicity of the aqueous solution.