Question

How can neutralization reactions be identified symbolically?

Answer 1

Hint: A neutralization reaction is the reaction where the chemical property of a compound by which that compound is identified is removed. Neutralization of compounds limits its chemical activities. A neutralization reaction is always a double displacement reaction.
Complete step-by-step answer:
Look for an ionic compound that begins with hydrogen to identify an acid. Examples: $HCL$, ${H_2}S{O_4}$
Look for an ionic compound that ends with hydroxide ion to identify a base. Example $NaOH$, $CaS{O_4}$.

Examples of a neutralization reaction:
$
  NaOH \\
  \left( {base} \right) \\
 $ $ + $ $
  HCL \\
  \left( {acid} \right) \\
 $ $ \to $ $
  HOH \\
  \left( {water} \right) \\
 $ $ + $ $
  Nacl \\
  \left( {salt} \right) \\
 $

$
  Ca{\left( {OH} \right)_2} \\
  \left( {base} \right) \\
 $ $ + $ $
  {H_2}S{O_4} \\
  \left( {acid} \right) \\
 $ $ \to $ $
  CaS{O_4} \\
  \left( {salt} \right) \\
 $ $ + $ $
  \left( {HOH} \right) \\
  \left( {water} \right) \\
 $

In the above reaction we can see a double displacement reaction has occurred where an acid reacts with a base and they neutralize each other to form corresponding salt with water as another by product. ${H^ + }$ ion and $O{H^ - }$ ion from acid and base respectively combine to form Water and remaining positive and negative ions form a neutralise salt.
An acid-base reaction is one in which a hydrogen ion, ${H^ + }$, is transferred from one chemical species to another. Such reactions are of central importance to numerous natural and technological processes, ranging from the chemical transformations within cells or lakes and oceans to the industrial-scale production of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and other substances essential to the society.

Note: Since strong acid and strong bases are completely dissociated in solution, no formal bonds are being broken. The formation of two very strong covalent bonds between hydrogen and the hydroxide ion is responsible for the neutralization reactions exothermic character. The heat liberated during bond formation makes this reaction an exothermic reaction.