Question

Solutions of sodium hydroxide and acetic acid are mixed:
Write the balanced chemical equation.
 A.$NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$
B. $NaO{H_2} + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$
C. $2NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$
D.$NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to 3C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$

Answer 1

Hint:We know that sodium hydroxide is a strong acid. Acetic acid is a weak acid. So, when an acid and a base react, salt and water are produced. This process is known as neutralisation reaction. The molecular formula of sodium hydroxide is $NaOH$. The molecular formula of acetic acid is $C{H_3}COOH$

Complete step by step solution:
So, when sodium hydroxide and acetic acid reacts a salt and water is formed. The chemical equation will look like $NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$. The carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and sodium atoms are balanced in both the sides already. So, the final balanced chemical equation will be $NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$.Here $C{H_3}COONa$ is the salt. It is known as sodium acetate.

So, from the above explanation it is clear to us that the correct answer of the given question is option: A.$NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$.

Additional information: Acetic acid is also known as ethanoic acid. Acetic acid is soluble in water. It is present in vinegar. Sodium hydroxide is also known as caustic soda. Sodium hydroxide is also known as lye. Sodium hydroxide is a very dangerous substance. If a person eats or drinks sodium hydroxide it will lead to vomiting, nausea, headache diarrhoea or chest and stomach pain, as well as swallowing difficulties. Sodium hydroxide is soluble in water, ethanol and methanol.

Note:
Always remember that the balanced chemical equation between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide can be written as $NaOH + C{H_3}COOH \to C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O$. It is called a neutralisation reaction. The reverse of neutralisation reaction is known as hydrolysis. The hydrolysis of sodium acetate can be written as $C{H_3}COONa + {H_2}O \to C{H_3}COOH + NaOH$.The $pH$ of the mixture of sodium hydroxide and acetic acid will be always greater than $7$ because sodium hydroxide is a strong base so the mixture will be basic in nature.