Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Neutralisation is a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react to produce a neutral product.
About Neutralisation
- Neutralisation can reduce the danger from a corrosive spill.
- An acid can be neutralised by adding a base.
- A base can be neutralised by adding an acid.
- When there is a dangerous acid spill it is better to use an insoluble base to neutralise it than an alkali because if too much is used the insoluble base will not make the solution go above pH 7 but an alkali may neutralise and then replace the acid with another corrosive chemical with a high pH.
Examples
- Hydrochloric Acid + Lithium Oxide → Lithium Chloride + Water
- Hydrochloric Acid + Iron Oxide → Iron Chloride + Water