Identify the products in the reaction HCI + NaOH → NaCl + H20.
A. HCI, NaOH, NaCl, and H2O
B. HCl and NaOH
C. NaCl and H20
D. NaOH and H20
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. NaCl and H₂O.
In the reaction HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O, we are dealing with an acid-base neutralization reaction. Let’s break down the components of this reaction step by step.
1. Reactants
- HCl (Hydrochloric acid): This is an acid. It dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). The chemical equation for its dissociation is:
[
HCl \rightarrow H^+ + Cl^-
] - NaOH (Sodium hydroxide): This is a base. It dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and sodium ions (Na⁺). The chemical equation for its dissociation is:
[
NaOH \rightarrow Na^+ + OH^-
]
2. Reaction (Neutralization)
When HCl and NaOH react together, the H⁺ ions from the acid (HCl) combine with the OH⁻ ions from the base (NaOH) to form water (H₂O). The remaining ions from the acid (Cl⁻) and the base (Na⁺) combine to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a salt. The balanced neutralization reaction is:
[
HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O
]
3. Products
- NaCl (Sodium chloride): This is the salt produced from the combination of the sodium ion (Na⁺) from NaOH and the chloride ion (Cl⁻) from HCl.
- H₂O (Water): This is formed when the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from HCl reacts with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from NaOH.
4. Conclusion
In this reaction, NaCl and H₂O are the products. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
5. Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- A. HCl, NaOH, NaCl, and H₂O: While this includes all the substances involved in the reaction (both reactants and products), the question is asking specifically for the products.
- B. HCl and NaOH: These are the reactants, not the products. The reaction involves the neutralization of these two substances.
- D. NaOH and H₂O: This option omits the salt (NaCl), which is a crucial product of the reaction.
In summary, the products of the reaction between HCl and NaOH are NaCl and H₂O, making option C the correct answer.