Question detail
Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O).
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
Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to produce sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O).
Answer
HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
Explanation
This question tests the student's ability to write balanced symbol equations for acid-base reactions. It requires knowledge of the reactants and products involved in the neutralisation process.
Common mistake
Incorrectly balancing the equation for soluble salt preparation
Students often write the balanced symbol equation for a soluble salt preparation as 2NaCl + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2HCl, treating the acid as a reactant and the salt as a product, but they forget that the acid is consumed and the salt is produced
The correct balanced symbol equation for preparing a soluble salt from an acid and an insoluble metal salt is: 2NaCl + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2HCl. The acid reacts with the insoluble metal salt to produce the soluble salt (Na2SO4) and hydrogen chloride gas. Ensure the coefficients satisfy the conservation of atoms and that the acid is on the reactant side and the soluble salt on the product side.
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