Consider the neutralization reaction that takes place when hydrochloric acid reacts with aqueous calcium hydroxide
Write a complete balanced equation for this reaction
acid + base>>> salt and water
2HCl+Ca(OH)2 >>> CaCl2 + 2H2O
To write a balanced equation for the neutralization reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and aqueous calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), you need to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is equal.
First, let's determine the chemical formula for the products of this reaction. When hydrochloric acid reacts with calcium hydroxide, it forms calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and water (H₂O).
The balanced equation will look like this:
2HCl + Ca(OH)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2H₂O
In this equation, two molecules of hydrochloric acid react with one molecule of calcium hydroxide, resulting in one molecule of calcium chloride and two molecules of water. The equation is balanced because the number of atoms on both sides of the equation is equal:
2 hydrogen (H) atoms on both sides
2 chlorine (Cl) atoms on both sides
1 calcium (Ca) atom on both sides
2 oxygen (O) atoms on both sides