Full Question:
During science lab, Jacob mixes together sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The two chemicals react to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). Which of the following are reactants in the chemical reaction described above? A. sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride B. sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid C. sodium chloride and water D. hydrochloric acid and water
Answer:
Sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are the reactants in the above reaction.
Option B.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reactants in the chemical reaction are the chemicals that actually react with each other to form a different compound or a mixture of different chemicals along with either emission or absorption of energy in form of heat, light etc.
In case of the given reaction, the reactants are the sodium hydroxide and the hydrochloric acid. These chemicals undergo the neutralization reaction between the base and the acid respectively to form the salt sodium chloride and water.
NaOH + HCl = NaCl + H₂O.
Here, the sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid are the reactants and the salt and water are the products. There is a slight emission of heat from the reaction. And the salt being soluble in water, there's no visible change in the reaction.