Neutralization — Science definition

Defined in 2 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

Neutralization involves an acid-base reaction, often producing water and dissolved salts in introductory examples.

Acids, Bases & pH

Questions using neutralization

Problem 1

Mixing an acid and a base together in a neutralization reaction produces water and a…
  1. gas only
  2. salt
  3. new acid
  4. new base
Answer and explanation

salt

Neutralization reactions between an acid and a base produce water plus a salt.

Problem 2

Mix 20.0 mL 0.100 M strong monoprotic acid with 25.0 mL 0.100 M strong base at 25°C. Assume additive volumes and complete neutralization. Find approximate pH.
Answer and explanation

Acid=0.00200 mol and base=0.00250 mol, leaving 0.00050 mol OH⁻ in 0.0450 L. [OH⁻]≈0.0111 M, pOH≈1.95 and pH≈12.05. Do stoichiometry before logarithms.

Acid=0.00200 mol and base=0.00250 mol, leaving 0.00050 mol OH⁻ in 0.0450 L. [OH⁻]≈0.0111 M, pOH≈1.95 and pH≈12.05. Do stoichiometry before logarithms.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
  • Connect the result to the chemical mechanism or evidence relationship.
  • Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.

Problem 3

Independent chapter check: Mix 20.0 mL 0.100 M strong monoprotic acid with 25.0 mL 0.100 M strong base at 25°C. Assume additive volumes and complete neutralization. Find approximate pH.
Answer and explanation

Acid=0.00200 mol and base=0.00250 mol, leaving 0.00050 mol OH⁻ in 0.0450 L. [OH⁻]≈0.0111 M, pOH≈1.95 and pH≈12.05. Do stoichiometry before logarithms.

Acid=0.00200 mol and base=0.00250 mol, leaving 0.00050 mol OH⁻ in 0.0450 L. [OH⁻]≈0.0111 M, pOH≈1.95 and pH≈12.05. Do stoichiometry before logarithms.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
  • Connect the result to the chemical mechanism or evidence relationship.
  • Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.

Problem 4

In the introductory aqueous HCl–NaOH model, neutralization forms water and leaves dissolved ions corresponding to a…
  1. gas only
  2. salt
  3. stronger acid
  4. metal
Answer and explanation

salt

H⁺ and OH⁻ form water; Na⁺ and Cl⁻ remain dissolved. They correspond to sodium chloride, a salt; solid salt need not precipitate.

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