Question

The ionic compound produced when a strong acid and a strong base react is called a(n) ________.

Short answer

A neutral salt.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the reaction between a strong acid and a strong base

To identify the ionic compound produced during this reaction, it's essential to know what happens when a strong acid and a strong base react. A strong acid donates a proton (H+) to a strong base, which accepts the proton. This transfer of a proton is called an acid-base reaction or neutralization reaction. The products of such reactions are typically water and a salt, which is an ionic compound.

Identify the ionic compound formed during a neutralization reaction

When a strong acid reacts with a strong base, a salt is produced. This salt is an ionic compound and is often called a neutral salt since it is formed from the complete neutralization of an acid and a base. So, the name of the ionic compound produced when a strong acid and a strong base react is:

Final Answer

A neutral salt.

Key concepts

Strong Acid

In the world of chemistry, acids are substances that donate protons, specifically hydrogen ions (H+), during reactions. Now, what sets a strong acid apart from other acids is its ability to *completely* dissociate in water.

Imagine dropping a strong acid like hydrochloric acid ( HCl ) into water. Almost instantly, it breaks apart into hydrogen ions (H+) and chloride ions (Cl−). There are no intact molecules left.

This 100% dissociation is why strong acids are so powerful. They deliver maximum protons ready for reaction. Common examples of strong acids include:

• Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
• Sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
• Nitric acid (HNO3)

Knowing the behavior of strong acids is crucial for understanding neutralization reactions.

Strong Base

A strong base, much like a strong acid, behaves in a *complete dissociation* manner, but rather than donating protons, it accepts them.

When we introduce a strong base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) into water, it breaks apart into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH−).

The hydroxide ion is the key here – it's ready to bond with protons, effectively neutralizing acids. Common strong bases include:

• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH)
• Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)

Understanding how strong bases work helps us see how they react vigorously with strong acids, leading to the formation of a neutral salt and water.

Ionic Compound

Ionic compounds are a mainstay of chemistry, especially when discussing reactions like those between strong acids and strong bases. An ionic compound forms when positive and negative ions attract each other due to opposite charges. This results in a solid structure known as a lattice.

Take common table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), as an example. It forms from sodium ions (Na+) and chloride ions (Cl−) coming together.

In a neutralization reaction, the acid donates a proton, while the base provides a hydroxide ion. The ions left—like Na+ from the base and Cl− from the acid—combine to create this stable ionic compound. Ionic compounds are generally:

• Solid at room temperature
• High in melting and boiling points
• Good conductors of electricity when dissolved in water

These properties make them an interesting study, especially in neutralization reactions.

Neutral Salt

In chemistry, a neutral salt is the result of a neutralization reaction, where a strong acid reacts with a strong base. The word 'neutral' here is key because the resultant solution is not acidic or basic.

This happens because the ions from a strong base completely neutralize the ions from a strong acid, producing water and the neutral salt.
Take the reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH):

$$HCl+NaOH\to NaCl+H_{2}O$$

• Water is formed from the hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−).
• The remaining ions – Na+ and Cl− – form the neutral salt sodium chloride (NaCl).

Neutral salts often dissolve in water to separate back into their positive and negative ions, maintaining the charge balance conferred during the neutralization.

Proton Transfer

Proton transfer is a fundamental concept in acid-base chemistry. It involves the movement of protons (H+) from one reactant to another. This defines what we call a neutralization reaction.

When a strong acid like hydrochloric acid ( HCl ) meets a strong base such as sodium hydroxide ( NaOH ), a proton from the acid shifts to the base. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• The strong acid, HCl, donates a hydrogen ion ( H+ ).
• The strong base, NaOH, accepts the H+ as it splits into Na+ and hydroxide ( OH− ).
• This proton transfer leads to the formation of water ( H2O ) and the ionic compound, which is sodium chloride ( NaCl ).

Proton transfer is central to many chemical reactions and understanding it unveils the mechanics behind acid-base interactions.