Identify the base in this acid-base reaction:
$NaOH + HCl \rightarrow NaCl + H _2 O$
A. NaOH
B. HCl
C. NaCl
D. $H _2 O$
Answer (2)
Identify the reactants: N a O H and H Cl .
Recall that a base accepts protons ( H + ).
Recognize that N a O H provides O H − ions, which accept H + ions from H Cl to form water.
Conclude that N a O H is the base in the reaction: N a O H .
Explanation
Understanding the Reaction The reaction is: N a O H + H Cl → N a Cl + H 2 O . We need to identify the base in the reaction.
Defining a Base A base is a substance that accepts protons ( H + ions). In this reaction, we need to determine which reactant accepts a proton.
Identifying Proton Transfer N a O H dissociates into N a + and O H − , and H Cl dissociates into H + and C l − . The O H − ion from N a O H accepts a proton ( H + ) from H Cl to form water ( H 2 O ).
Conclusion Therefore, N a O H is the base because it provides the O H − ion that accepts the H + ion from H Cl .
Examples
Acid-base reactions are fundamental in chemistry and everyday life. For example, when you have heartburn, you might take an antacid containing a base like magnesium hydroxide ( M g ( O H ) 2 ) to neutralize the excess hydrochloric acid ( H Cl ) in your stomach. This neutralization reaction reduces the discomfort by forming a salt and water, similar to the reaction in the problem.
In the reaction N a O H + H Cl → N a Cl + H 2 O , N a O H acts as the base by providing O H − ions that accept protons from H Cl . Thus, the correct answer is N a O H .
;
