Neutralisation

Question 1

Define a salt

Answer 1

A salt is the substance formed when the hydrogen ion from an acid is replaced by a metal or an ammonium ion.

Question 2

Define neutralisation

Answer 2

Neutralisation is the reaction between an acid and a base to form a salt and water

acid + base —> salt + water

Question 3

Give 4 general sectors and some examples of neutralisation in everyday life

Answer 3

1. Medicine:
   Relief from excess HCl in the stomach may be obtained by taking an antacid preparation that contains a base to neutralise the excess. (milk of magnesia)
2. Agriculture:
   Lime/calcium oxide is spread on soil to neutralise the acidity in the soil.
   The calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide (slaked salt) which neutralises that acidity in the soil.
3. Environmental protection:
   In areas that suffer from acid rain, limestone is often added to lakes to neutralise the acidity.
   Limestone is used in chimneys of coal burning power plants to neutralise the acidic substances formed as a result of burning coal.
4. Miscellaneous:
   Toothpaste is slightly basic to neutralise the acids in foods that cause tooth decay.
   baking soda is used to neutralise the acidic sting of bees.
   Hair conditioner is slightly acidic to neutralise the base in shampoo.