Predict acid reactions with oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and hydrogencarbonates.
Method and worked examples
Acids react with many metal oxides and hydroxides to form a salt and water. Their central ionic changes include 2H++O2−→H2O within an oxide and H++OH−→H2O for dissolved strong acid and hydroxide. Neutralisation releases heat. Carbonates and hydrogencarbonates additionally produce carbon dioxide: CO32−+2H+→CO2+H2O, while HCO3− needs one H+.
Write the correct salt formula from ion charges before balancing. For quantitative work, convert acid or base quantities to moles and apply the balanced coefficient ratio. A diprotic acid can require twice as much hydroxide per mole as a monoprotic acid when fully neutralised. A stated excess reagent remains after the limiting reagent is consumed. Use final solution volumes and the specified complete-neutralisation endpoint in calculations.
Example 1
Write the reaction between CuO and sulfuric acid.
CuO(s)+H2SO4(aq)→ CuSO4(aq)+H2O(l). The oxide consumes two acidic protons per formula unit.
Example 2
How many moles of NaOH fully neutralise 0.0200 mol H2SO4?