Question

Write the balanced molecular equation for the acid-base reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are mixed.

Answer 1

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

Step-by-step explanation:

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid. That means that they are totally dissociated into ions in aqueous solution.

When a solution of NaOH is mixed with a solution of HCl, a neutralization reaction occurs, in which a salt (NaCl) and water (H₂O) are formed.

The balanced molecular equation for this reaction is:

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