What is the basic reason for water formation in an acid-base reaction?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions combine
The governing concept is neutralisation. In water, an acid supplies hydrogen ions, H⁺, while a base supplies hydroxide ions, OH⁻. These ions combine in the net ionic equation H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O, producing water and reducing the acidic and basic effects. Sodium and chloride ions may remain as spectator ions in some reactions, while metal–oxygen or carbon–nitrogen combinations are unrelated. Therefore option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions combine
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is neutralisation. In water, an acid supplies hydrogen ions, H⁺, while a base supplies hydroxide ions, OH⁻. These ions combine in the net ionic equation H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O, producing water and reducing the acidic and basic effects. Sodium and chloride ions may remain as spectator ions in some reactions, while metal–oxygen or carbon–nitrogen combinations are unrelated. Therefore option B is correct.
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.