Reacting acids with bases

3 marks · Easy

Potassium hydroxide is added to an acid in excess. Answer the following questions.

(a)

Explain why the reaction is described as a neutralisation reaction.

[2 marks]

(b)

Write the general word equation for this type of reaction.

[1 mark]

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(a) —

(b) acid + alkali → salt + water

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Marking points

M1 (a) · 1 mark · States that the base/alkali reacts with acid to remove/neutralise hydrogen ions.

M1 (a) · 1 mark · Explains this forms water, so the solution no longer shows acidic or alkaline properties.

B1 (b) · 1 mark · Writes the general word equation: acid + alkali → salt + water.

Worked solution

a) A neutralisation reaction is when the alkali reacts with the acid to remove hydrogen ions by forming water, making the solution neutral.

b) General word equation: acid + alkali → salt + water