Neutralisation Reactions

When we eat a meal that is too spicy, we often feel a burning sensation in our stomach. After having a When we eat a too spicy meal, we often feel a burning sensation in our stomach. After having a portion of spicy food, acid forms in our stomach; to neutralise it, we take an antacid. To treat wasp stings, ant bites or bee stings, which are all acidic in nature, vinegar, baking powder, or toothpaste are used. These act as the base to neutralise the effect. What is happening in these occurrences that we come across in our daily lives? A neutralisation reaction is taking place in all of these.

In all of these examples, we notice two elements: Acid, a compound, when dissolved in water creates positive hydrogen ions (H⁺⁾and non-metallic ions; and Base, a compound, when dissolved in water, yields negative hydroxide ions (OH^–)

A neutralisation reaction is when an acid and base react together to form salt and water. It can be represented as:

Acid + Base → Salt + Water

Examples of Neutralisation Reactions

When a strong acid reacts with a strong base, the resultant of the reaction is neither acidic nor basic. It is neutral.

Example: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O

When a strong acid reacts with a weak base, the resultant salt, the result formed from the reaction is acidic in nature.

Example: 3HNO₃ + Fe(OH)₃ → Fe(NO₃)₃ + 3H₂O

When a strong base reacts with a weak acid, the result of the reaction is basic in nature.

Example: H₂CO₃ + 2KOH → K₂CO₃ + 2H₂O

Strong Acids and Strong Bases

A resultant compound is considered to be acidic or basic, depending on the pH level. If the pH level is 7, the resultant compound is neither acidic nor basic. They are said to be neutral in nature. If the pH level is below 7, it is strongly acidic. If the pH level is more than 7, the strength of the base is strong. Hence, it is less acidic.

Some examples of Strong Acids are HBr, HCl, HI, HCIO4 and HNO₃.

Some examples of Strong Bases are Ba(OH)₂, Ca(OH)₂, CsOH, NaOH, LiOH, KOH, RbOH and Sr(OH)₂

What Are the Applications of Neutralisation Reactions?

Here below are given some of the common applications of neutralisation reactions that we often come across:

Titration- The chemical titration method is used to find unknown concentrations of acids or bases. This is achieved by finding their neutralisation points, which is done using a pH indicator or pH meter.
We have already mentioned the need for an antacid when we eat spicy foods. The foods need to be neutralised at such times because only then they can be absorbed by the walls of our intestines. The principle of neutralisation applies in the manufacture of antacid tablets.
Treatment of Wastewater: One of the pollutants that cause water pollution is the waste that comes out in the form of industries and are are not treated before it is released into the river waters. This is a pollutant because it contains toxicity, which if not treated carefully can harm our environment. Some chemicals used to treat these effluents are Magnesium Hydroxide, Calcium Oxide, Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.
Control of pH: To ensure that a plant can grow in any soil, some conditions are required. Some of the materials which are added to the soil for its neutralization are Calcium Carbonate, commonly known as Limestone, and Calcium Hydroxide, commonly known as Slaked lime.
Synthesis of Nanomaterials: The heat of the neutralisation reactions is used to facilitate the chemical reduction of metal precursors.

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