Question detail
What happens during the neutralisation reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Reactions of acids
Question
What happens during the neutralisation reaction between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions?
Answer
During neutralisation, hydrogen ions (H+) react with hydroxide ions (OH-) to produce water (H2O). This reaction results in the formation of water, effectively neutralising the acid and alkali.
Explanation
This question tests the understanding of the neutralisation process at a fundamental level, focusing on the ionic components involved. It assesses the student's ability to recall the specific ions and the product formed during neutralisation.
Common mistake
Confusing ionic and molecular equations
Students write the neutralisation reaction as H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O instead of the full ionic equation H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l) and omit the state symbols, or they write a molecular equation such as HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) and then claim it is the ionic equation.
Remind students that the ionic equation shows only the ions that actually participate in the reaction. The correct ionic equation for neutralisation is H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l). The molecular equation is fine for describing the overall reaction, but the ionic form is required when describing the mechanism of neutralisation.
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