The equation shows a neutralization reaction.
[tex]H_2 SO_4+2 NaOH \rightarrow Na_2 SO_4+2 H_2 O[/tex]
What is [tex]Na _2 SO _4[/tex]?
A. an acid
B. a base
C. a salt
D. an ion
Answer (1)
N a 2 S O 4 is produced in a neutralization reaction.
Neutralization reactions occur between an acid and a base.
The product of a neutralization reaction is a salt and water.
Therefore, N a 2 S O 4 is a s a lt .
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction The equation shows a neutralization reaction between sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) and sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ), resulting in the formation of sodium sulfate ( N a 2 S O 4 ) and water ( H 2 O ). The question asks us to identify what N a 2 S O 4 is.
Defining Terms Let's define the terms:
Acid: A molecule or ion capable of donating a proton or forming a covalent bond by accepting an electron pair.
Base: A molecule or ion able to accept a proton or form a covalent bond by donating an electron pair.
Salt: A chemical compound formed from the reaction of an acid and a base (neutralization reaction). It consists of cations and anions.
Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.
Identifying the Reaction Type In the given reaction:
H 2 S O 4 + 2 N a O H → N a 2 S O 4 + 2 H 2 O
Sulfuric acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) reacts with sodium hydroxide ( N a O H ) to produce sodium sulfate ( N a 2 S O 4 ) and water ( H 2 O ). This is a neutralization reaction.
Identifying Sodium Sulfate Since N a 2 S O 4 is formed from the reaction between an acid ( H 2 S O 4 ) and a base ( N a O H ), it is a salt.
Examples
Neutralization reactions are commonly used in everyday life. For example, antacids use bases like magnesium hydroxide to neutralize excess stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), relieving heartburn. The reaction produces a salt and water, reducing the acidity in the stomach. This principle is also used in agriculture to neutralize acidic soils by adding lime (calcium carbonate), which reacts to form a salt and water, improving soil conditions for plant growth.
