CHEM 7.5 Neutralization Reactions

Question 1

What is a neutralization reaction ?

Answer 1

An acid and a base react to form products that have a pH closer to 7 than either of the reactants.

Question 2

What type of reaction is a neutralization reaction (synthesis, double displacement, single displacement, decomposition) ?

Answer 2

Double displacement

hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide –> hydrogen hydroxide + sodium chloride

HCl + NaOH –> HOH + NaCl

Question 3

H3PO4 + KOH –> ???

Answer 3

HOH + K3PO4

Question 4

How can neutralization reactions be applied in the real world ?

Answer 4

CHEMICAL SPILLS
In March 31, 2007, a train was hauling 150 000 L of sulfuric acid near Englehart in northern Ontario.
The train suddenly derailed and spilled some of its cargo into the Blanche River. The emergency
response crew added calcium oxide to the river slightly upstream from the spill site.

ANTIACIDS
Your stomach produces a solution of hydrochloric acid with a pH as low as 1.5. This acid can
sometimes irritate the lining of the stomach. Antacids provide relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
The two most common active ingredients in antacids are hydroxide and carbonate compounds.