Chemical reactions: neutralisation
I can describe what happens during a neutralisation reaction and write word and symbol equations to represent different neutralisation reactions.
Chemical reactions: neutralisation
I can describe what happens during a neutralisation reaction and write word and symbol equations to represent different neutralisation reactions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Neutralisation reaction general equation is: base + acid → metal salt + water.
- Sodium hydroxide has the formula NaOH(aq) and hydrochloric acid has the formula HCl(aq).
- In a neutralisation reaction, the metal salt formed is named after the metal (from the base) and acid used.
- Common bases include metal oxides and hydroxides.
- (s), (l), (g) and (aq) in chemical equations identify the state of each substance as solid, liquid, gas or in solution.
Keywords
Neutralisation - When a chemical reaction takes place between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution of a metal salt and water.
Metal salt - A compound formed when an acid reacts with a base.
Aqueous solution (aq) - Formed when a substance is dissolved in water.
Common misconception
Pupils often do not understand what neutralisation is i.e. exactly the correct quantities of components from the acid and base combined to form water.
It is worth emphasising that water is formed and it is this which is neutral as it contains the hydrogen and oxygen atoms from the acid and base.
Equipment
Test tubes, test tube rack, plastic pipettes, dilute acid, dilute alkali, universal indicator solution in dropper bottles, universal indicator colour scale.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
metal atoms bonded to oxygen atoms
non–metal atoms bonded to oxygen atoms
reactant is present in greater amounts than needed to completely react
will not dissolve in a solvent
Na
S
HCl
CuO
SO₂
Exit quiz
6 Questions
solid
liquid
gas
dissolved in water