Neutralisation of Acids

Chemistry: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 12.1.12

Neutralisation of Acids

Acids can be neutralised by reacting with bases (an alkali is a base that dissolves in water). Metal carbonates, metal oxides and metal hydroxides are all examples of bases.

Metal carbonates

Metal carbonates

  • Acid + carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide.
  • E.g. hydrochloric acid + calcium carbonate → calcium chloride + water + carbon dioxide
Metal oxides

Metal oxides

  • Acid + oxide → salt + water.
  • E.g. hydrochloric acid + magnesium oxide → magnesium chloride + water.
Metal hydroxides

Metal hydroxides

  • Acid + hydroxide → salt + water.
  • E.g. hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide → sodium chloride + water.

Test yourself on Neutralisation of Acids

  • Which of the following are products of the reaction of calcium carbonate and nitric acid?

  • What is formed when metal carbonates react with acids?

  • What are the products of reactions between metal carbonates and acids?

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