HCl + NaOH (Net ionic equation)?
The given problem is (NaOH + HCl), we know this reaction is a neutralization reaction in which NaOH acts as a strong base and HCl as a strong acid.
A balanced chemical equation for the reaction of (NaOH + HCl) is –
Steps involved in writing a net ionic equation are –
- Write the complete ionic equation.
- Identify spectator ions.
- Cancel the spectator ions.
- Obtain the net ionic equation.
When NaOH reacts with HCl, then, NaOH dissociates into Na+ and OH– ions while HCl dissociates into H+ and Cl– on the reactant side. While on the product side, NaCl is also water soluble so it breaks down into Na+ and Cl– ions in the presence of H2O.
So the complete ionic equation for this reaction is:
⇒ Na+(aq) + OH– (aq) + H+(aq) + Cl–(aq) –> Na+(aq) + Cl–(aq) + H2O
By looking at the above reaction, we find, (Na+ and Cl–) are spectator ions, hence, canceling them and obtaining the net ionic equation.
| The net ionic equation of HCl + NaOH is – |
| ⇒ H+(aq) + OH−(aq) → H2O(l) |
This net ionic equation shows that an acid-base neutralization reaction actually takes place between hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH–) ions only.
Also, check –
FAQ on the net ionic equation of HCl + NaOH
What is the net ionic equation for the reaction between HCl and NaOH? |
The net ionic equation for the reaction of HCl + NaOH is – ⇒ H+(aq) + OH−(aq) → H2O(l) |
How can we determine the net ionic equation for a given reaction? |
To find the net ionic equation, we have to take a few steps. ⇒ First, let’s write out the balanced equation for the reaction. This will give us all the components involved. ⇒ Next, we get to play detective and search for any “spectator ions.” These are just ions that are hanging out on both sides of the equation and don’t really participate in the reaction. ⇒ By canceling them out, we can simplify our equation to show only the ions that actually react and change. It’s like cleaning up a messy room, we get rid of what doesn’t matter and focus on what does. |
What does the net ionic equation actually do? |
The net ionic equation focuses on the stars of the show – the ions that are actually participating in the chemical reaction. It filters out the background actors – the spectator ions that don’t do anything in the reaction. Doing it gives us a clearer understanding of what’s happening in the reaction and helps us make sense of the chemical changes taking place. |
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