If suitable amounts of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are mixed, what will mainly be present in the final solution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Aqueous sodium chloride and water
“Suitable amounts” means the acid and base are present in the stoichiometric ratio needed for neutralisation. The reaction is \(\mathrm{HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O}\). Hence, the final solution mainly contains aqueous sodium chloride and water. Options B and C would apply only if HCl or NaOH, respectively, were taken in excess. Hydrogen gas is produced when an acid reacts with a suitable metal, not when it reacts with NaOH. Exam tip: recognise acid + base → salt + water as a neutralisation reaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Aqueous sodium chloride and water
Why is this the correct answer?
“Suitable amounts” means the acid and base are present in the stoichiometric ratio needed for neutralisation. The reaction is \(\mathrm{HCl + NaOH \rightarrow NaCl + H_2O}\). Hence, the final solution mainly contains aqueous sodium chloride and water. Options B and C would apply only if HCl or NaOH, respectively, were taken in excess. Hydrogen gas is produced when an acid reacts with a suitable metal, not when it reacts with NaOH. Exam tip: recognise acid + base → salt + water as a neutralisation reaction.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
