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Neutralization is a type of chemical reaction in which acids and bases neutralize to give out salt and water as products after the chemical reaction. Neutralization reaction has many applications in our daily lives from playing a key role in our digestion to rapidly advancing nanotechnology applications.
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What is Neutralization?
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In the process of neutralization, there is the presence of an adequate quantity of acid and base which then reacts together and leads to the formation of salt and water. Therefore, the product of this chemical reaction is salt and water. The neutralization reaction is an exothermic reaction which means, there is heat as one of the products in the reaction. The combination of H+ and OH- ions is generally responsible for the formation of water in the chemical reaction of neutralization.
Chemical Equation: Acid + Base = Salt + Water
For instance,
- H2SO4 + NaOH → Na(SO4)2 + H2O
- HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
Requirements for Neutralization Reaction
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The strength and the volume of both acid and base are the requirements for completing the process of a chemical reaction by neutralization.
Equation = Volume of acid X Concentration of H+ ions = Volume of base X Concentration of OH- ions
Also Read: Concentration of a Solution
Relation between the Strength of the Ph of Reactants and Resultant
The strength of the Ph of different salts varies depending upon the different pH levels of the constituent acids and bases in distinct chemical equations.| Strength of Acid | Strength of Base | Resultant pH |
|---|---|---|
| Strong | Strong | 7 (neutral) |
| Strong | Weak | Greater than 7 |
| Weak | Strong | Less than 7 |
| Weak | Weak | If, Ka > Kb => pH < 7 Ka = Kb => pH = 7 Ka < Kb => pH > 7 |
Also Read:
| Topic Related Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Acids and Bases | Exothermic Reactions | Relation between Molarity and Molality |
| Organic Solvent | Properties of Bases | Acid Test |
Applications of Neutralization Reactions
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- Nano-material synthesis: In contemporary times, with the advancement of science and technology, the application of nanotechnologies has acquired a great pace and to facilitate this advancement the chemical reduction of metal precursors is required which could essentially be done through the heat of a neutralization reaction.
- Titration Methods: This method of chemical titration is employed to find unknown concentrations of acids or bases and this is done by finding their neutralization point. To find out the point where the neutralization happens, the use of a pH indicator or pH meter is done. The molarity of the unknown particle can be found with the help of simple stoichiometric calculations along with the availability of the volume and molarity of the known quantity.
- In our Digestive Systems: This process of neutralization is also helpful in the digestion of food. When food is moved between our stomach and intestines, the food needs to be neutralized. But for nutrients to be absorbed through the intestine walls an alkaline environment is required. Antacid bicarbonate is produced to create this favorable condition.
| Chapter Related Concepts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carbon and its compounds | Types of Reactions | Rate of Reaction |
| Acid-Base Catalysis | Carboxylic Acids | Organic Compounds |
Things to Remember
- A neutralization reaction is a chemical reaction that involves acid and a base to produce salt as a result.
- In this reaction, H+ and OH- combine together to form water.
- The pH of the neutralization reaction is nearly 7, i.e., neutral.
- This process of neutralization has many applications such as in the titration process and digestive system.
- The neutralization reaction has also found applications in nanotechnology.
Sample Questions
Ques: Name the acid present in the following: (i)Tomato (ii) Vinegar (iii) Tamarind (1 mark)
Ans. (i) Oxalic acid (ii) Acetic acid (iii) Tartaric acid
Ques: How does the neutralization reaction help in controlling the soil ph level? (2 marks)
Ans. In order to reduce the salinity of the acidic soil in nature gypsum is used. The use of calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide to neutralize the effect of acid is very important to balance the pH level of the soil and for the better growth of the plants.
Ques: (a) The use of common salt in daily life is a symbol of unity in disparity. Mention the chemical formula for the same.
(b) What do you understand about rock salt? Mention the properties responsible for the different colors of the rock salt. (3 marks)
Ans. (a) HCl is acidic and NaOH is a base whose combination forms the common salt. Its formula is NaCl (Sodium chloride). It is obtained from seawater.
(b) Rock salt is the common name for the mineral “halite”. Its chemical formula is NaCl. It may be white or light blue or yellow depending upon the impurities present in it.
Ques: What are the strong and weak acids? Mention examples. (3 marks)
Ans. Strong acids are those acids that dissociate in water completely (100%). While on the other hand, weak acids are those which do not ionize completely in the aqueous solution.
Some examples of strong acids are as follows –
1. HCl 2. HNO3 3.H2SO4
Now, some examples of weak acids are:
1. Citric acid 2.Acetic acid 3.Formic acid.
Ques: What is a neutralization reaction? Give two examples. (2 marks)
Ans. The reaction between acid and base to form salt and water is called the neutralization reaction. For instance,
KOH + HNO3 → KNO3 + H2O and
2NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2H2O
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