Question

How do you write the balanced neutralization equation for the reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide?

Answer 1

`C_2H_4O_2 + NaOH = C_2H_3O_2Na + H_2O`

Explanation:

acetic acid (ethanoic acid): `CH_3COOH`

`CH_3COOH = C_2H_4O_2`

sodium hydroxide: `NaOH`

neutralisation reactions always produce a salt and water.

in this case, the salt is sodium ethanoate
(`CH_3COONa, C_2H_3O_2Na`)

equation:

`C_2H_4O_2 + NaOH = C_2H_3O_2Na + H_2O`

carbon: `2` on the left, `2` on the right
sodium: `1` on the left, `1` on the right
hydrogen: `5` on the left, `5` on the right
oxygen: `3` on the left, `3` on the right.

this means that the equation is balanced, with `1:1:1:1` ratio.