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Ch.5 - Introduction to Solutions and Aqueous Solutions
Chapter 5, Problem 93

A hydrochloric acid solution will neutralize a sodium hydroxide solution. Look at the molecular views showing one beaker of HCl and four beakers of NaOH. Which NaOH beaker will just neutralize the HCl beaker? Begin by writing a balanced chemical equation for the neutralization reaction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Neutralization Reaction

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt. In this case, hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). This process is characterized by the transfer of protons (H+) from the acid to the base, resulting in a solution that is closer to neutral pH.
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Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. For the neutralization of HCl and NaOH, the balanced equation is HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O. Balancing ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, indicating that matter is neither created nor destroyed in the reaction.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on their molar ratios. In the context of the question, understanding the stoichiometric relationship between HCl and NaOH is essential to determine how much NaOH is needed to completely neutralize a given amount of HCl. This involves using the coefficients from the balanced equation to find the correct proportions.
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