Question

Write the main difference between an acid and a base. With the help of suitable examples explain the term neutralization and formation of (i) acidic, (basic) and neutral salts.

Answer 1

Hint: As we know that acid is a compound which when dissolved in water gives ${{H}^{+}}$ ion. Whereas, base is any substance which donates electrons, and accepts electrons and releases $O{{H}^{-}}$ ions.

Complete Solution :
 Let's discuss about the main differences in between acids and bases:

ACIDS	BASES
Acid are those that can donate electrons	Bases are those that can accept protons
The pH values of acids are basically less than 7	The pH values of bases are basically more than 7.
Acids turn blue litmus red.	The Base turns red litmus blue.
Acids remain colourless when dissolved in phenolphthalein	Bases makes solution pink coloured when dissolved in phenolphthalein
When these are dissolved in water then releases ${{H}^{+}}$ ions.	When these are dissolved in water then releases $O{{H}^{-}}$ ions.
Examples: Acetic acid, sulphuric acid	Examples: NaOH, Ammonia

- Neutralization reaction is the reaction between an acid and a base.
In this reaction water and salt is formed as products. This reaction is called a neutralization reaction because the acid and base neutralize each other to form water and salt. We can see the example of neutralization reaction:
\[\begin{align}
 & HCl+NaOH\to NaCl+{{H}_{2}}O \\
 & {{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}+NaOH\to Na{{(S{{O}_{4}})}_{2}}+{{H}_{2}}O \\
\end{align}\]

- Now, we will discuss about:
A. formation of acidic salt:
When strong acid reacts with a weak base, then acidic salt is formed.

B. formation of basic salt:
When weak acid reacts with a strong base, then basic salt is formed.
\[NaOH+HC{{O}_{3}}\to NaHC{{O}_{3}}+{{H}_{2}}O\]

C. formation of neutral salt:
When strong acid reacts with strong base, or weak acid reacts with a weak base, then neutral salt is formed.
\[NaOH+HCl\to NaCl+{{H}_{2}}O\]

Note: - As we know that the volume and strength of the acid and base are required to carry out neutralization reactions. We can find the volumes, if the strengths are known by the formula:
Volume (acid) X concentration (${{H}^{+}}$ ions ) = Volume(base) X concentration ($O{{H}^{-}}$ ions)