Secondary IV • 2yr.
Ok, I understand that in an acid-base neutralization, we mix an acid and a base in a solution, but I don't understand how the pH becomes neutral again after ...? Can you explain this to me please?
Explanation from Alloprof
This Explanation was submitted by a member of the Alloprof team.
Hi!
As you already explained in your question, the reactants of acid-base neutralization are an acid and a base.
Once these reactants are placed together in an aqueous solution, they will dissolve, causing them to turn into ions. These ions are then ready to bind with other charged particles in the solution to form more stable structures. In doing so, they form the products of the solution, which are always salt and water.
Let's do an example with the acid HCl and the base NaOH.
In solution, they dissolve like this:
$$ HCl \rightarrow H^+\ +\ Cl^- $$
$$ NaOH \rightarrow Na^+\ +\ OH^- $$
Free ions can then reassemble as follows:
$$ H^+\ +\ Cl^-\ +\ Na^+\ +\ OH^- \rightarrow H_2O\ +\ NaCl $$
As there are no longer any unbound charged particles in the solution at the end of the reaction, the pH of the solution becomes neutral!
Don't hesitate to ask other questions! Keep up the good work😉