7.1.12

Acids, Bases & the Neutralisation Reaction

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Acids, Bases & The Neutralisation Reaction

Acids and bases react in neutralisation to form water.

Illustrative background for What are acids and bases?Illustrative background for What are acids and bases? ?? "content

What are acids and bases?

  • Acids are chemicals that release H+; ions in water.
  • Bases release OH- ions in water.
    • Acids taste sour; bases taste bitter.
    • Acids and bases change the colour of indicators like litmus paper.
Illustrative background for The neutralisation reactionIllustrative background for The neutralisation reaction ?? "content

The neutralisation reaction

  • Neutralisation happens when an acid reacts with a base.
    • The H+ ions from the acid meet OH- ions from the base.
    • They combine to form water (H2O).
  • This is a key reaction in acid-base chemistry.
Illustrative background for The chemical equation for neutralisationIllustrative background for The chemical equation for neutralisation ?? "content

The chemical equation for neutralisation

  • The equation is H+ (aq) + OH- (aq) → H2O(l).
    • (aq) means ions dissolved in water; (l) means liquid water.
  • Neutralisation removes acidity or alkalinity by forming water.
Illustrative background for Why neutralisation mattersIllustrative background for Why neutralisation matters ?? "content

Why neutralisation matters

  • Neutralisation is used to treat acid spills safely.
  • It helps balance pH in soils and water.
  • Humans use neutralisation in antacid tablets to ease stomach acid.
  • This reaction makes some salts as well.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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