Question

Describe the process of neutralization with the help of an example.

Answer 1

• Neutralisation occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce salt and water. For example, put some weak hydrochloric acid in a test tube and add 2-3 drops of phenolphthalein.
• The solution will stay colourless. Using a dropper, add sodium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution, shaking the test tube after each addition.
• The pink colour that appears disappears when shaken. When the pink colour has not faded, stop adding sodium hydroxide. At this stage, the neutralization reaction has occurred.
• If you continue to add sodium hydroxide, the solution will remain pink due to its basic character.

For example, when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H₂O) are obtained.

\[\ce{\underset{hydroxide}{\underset{Sodium}{NaOH}} + \underset{acid}{\underset{Hydrochloric}{HCl}} -> \underset{chloride}{\underset{Sodium}{NaCl}}}\]