Final answer:
The first neutralization reaction in the soda lime process is c) the Formation of water (H2O), which occurs when sodium hydroxide reacts with an acid to produce water and a salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The soda lime reaction involves several steps, but the first neutralization reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base to form a salt and water. In this specific case, it's the reaction of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with an acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). Therefore, the correct answer is c) Formation of water (H2O). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is formed by the dissociation of solid NaOH in water, which produces Na+ and OH- ions, making the solution alkaline. This NaOH can then take part in neutralization reactions as described.
Example Neutralization Reaction:
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
In this reaction, HCl is a Brønsted-Lowry acid as it donates a proton (H+) to the OH- ion from NaOH, which is a Brønsted-Lowry base because it accepts a proton. The result is the formation of water and sodium chloride, exemplifying a neutralization reaction.