Neutralization is a chemical reaction in which acid and base react to form salt and water. Hydrogen (H+) ions and hydroxide (OH- ions) reacts with each other to form water. The strong acid and strong base neutralization have the pH value of 7. Let’s find out more about Neutralization.
Suggested Videos
What is Neutralization?
Neutralization is a process when acids and bases react to form salt and water.  In a reaction to water, neutralization results in excess of hydrogen or hydroxide ions present in the solution. The pH of the neutralized solution depends on the strength of acid or base involved in it. If a strong acid is mixed with a strong base then the salt formed is neutral. If a strong acid is mixed with a weak base then the acid formed is acidic. Similarly, if a weak acid is mixed with a strong acid then the salt formed is basic Neutralization is used in many applications.
For example, Acid + Base —-> Salt + Water i. e. NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide, a base) + HCl (Hydrochloric acid, an acid) ——> NaCl (Salt) + H2O (Water)
Browse more Topics under Acids Bases And Salts
Uses Of Neutralization
Some uses of Neutralization are as follows:
To treat wasp stings
Wasp Sting’s venom is basic in nature, applying vinegar to the sting neutralizes the sting as vinegar is acidic in nature.
To treat acidity or gastric patients
Acidity or gastric problems arise due to an increase of acid in the stomach, Anti-acids or antacids are medicines containing bases such as NaCHO3 (sodium bicarbonate) Mg(OH)2 (magnesium hydroxide) neutralize excess of acid in the stomach.
To treat acidic or basic soils
Plants don’t grow well if the soil is too acidic or too basic. To neutralize acidic soils, bases like ash of burnt wood, CaO, CaCO3, etc are added. Similarly, basic soils are neutralized.
To treat tooth decay or cavities
Most food particles are acidic in nature. For example, lemonade, chocolate, etc. Such foods produce acid in our mouth which reacts with enamel i.e. calcium phosphate and leads to cavities. Using toothpaste while brushing helps to neutralize the acid since toothpaste is a base.
To treat bee stings
Bee stings contain formic acid and are acidic in nature, these stings can be neutralized by applying a base like baking soda.
To prevent coagulation of latex
In the rubber industry, ammonia solution, NH4OH, is used to prevent the coagulation of latex because ammonia solution, NH4OH, can neutralize the acid (lactic acid) produced by bacteria in the latex.
Questions For You
Q1. Are bee stings and wasp stings the same? Justify your answer.
- Yes, bee stings and wasp stings are the same.
- No, bee stings and wasp stings are not the same.
Sol. The correct answer is option “b”. No, bee stings and wasp stings are not the same. Bee stings contain formic acid is and it is neutralized by adding a basic substance like baking soda. Whereas, a wasp sting venom is basic in nature, and can be neutralized by adding an acidic substance like vinegar.
Q2. What is formed in the process of neutralization?
- Salt and water.
- Sugar and water.
- Oil and soap.
- Salt and oil.
Sol. The correct answer is option “a”. Neutralization creates salt and water.
Leave a Reply