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This lesson covers neutralisation reactions as required by the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification (1SC0). You need to understand the general equations for neutralisation, predict products of reactions between acids and bases, metals or carbonates, and write word and balanced symbol equations.
Neutralisation is the reaction between an acid and a base. The acid and base cancel each other out, producing a salt and water.
acid + base → salt + water
In terms of ions, every neutralisation reaction involves the same essential change:
H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
The hydrogen ions from the acid combine with the hydroxide ions from the base to form water. This is why the pH moves towards 7.
Exam Tip: The ionic equation H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O applies to every acid–base neutralisation. If you are asked to write an ionic equation for neutralisation, this is the answer.
When an acid reacts with a metal oxide or a metal hydroxide, a salt and water are produced.
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