When sulfuric acid (H2SO4) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which salt is formed?

• A. K2SO3
• B. Na2SO3
• C. Na2SO4
• D. K2SO4

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants: sulfuric acid (H\_2SO\_4) is a strong acid, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base.
2. Recognize that when an acid reacts with a base, a neutralization reaction occurs, producing a salt and water.
3. Determine the ions involved: sulfuric acid provides H\^+ and SO\_4\^{2-} ions, while sodium hydroxide provides Na\^+ and OH\^- ions.
4. Combine the ions to form the salt: the SO\_4\^{2-} ion pairs with Na\^+ ions. Since SO\_4\^{2-} has a charge of -2, two Na\^+ ions (each +1) are needed to balance the charge, forming Na\_2SO\_4.
5. Confirm that the salt formed is sodium sulfate (Na\_2SO\_4), not sodium sulfite (Na\_2SO\_3) or potassium salts (K\_2SO\_4 or K\_2SO\_3), because the base used is sodium hydroxide, not potassium hydroxide.