A hydrochloric acid solution will neutralize a sodium hydroxide solution. Look at the molecular views showing one beaker of HCl and four beakers of NaOH. Which NaOH beaker will just neutralize the HCl beaker? Begin by writing a balanced chemical equation for the neutralization reaction.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Write the balanced chemical equation for the neutralization reaction: \( \text{HCl} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{NaCl} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \).
2. Identify the stoichiometry of the reaction: 1 mole of HCl reacts with 1 mole of NaOH.
3. Determine the number of moles of HCl present in the beaker.
4. Compare the moles of HCl with the moles of NaOH in each beaker to find the one that matches the stoichiometry.
5. Select the NaOH beaker that has the same number of moles as the HCl beaker for complete neutralization.

Key Concepts

Neutralization Reaction

A neutralization reaction occurs when an acid reacts with a base to produce water and a salt. In this case, hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O). This process is characterized by the transfer of protons (H+) from the acid to the base, resulting in a solution that is closer to neutral pH.

Balanced Chemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation represents a chemical reaction with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. For the neutralization of HCl and NaOH, the balanced equation is HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O. Balancing ensures the law of conservation of mass is upheld, indicating that matter is neither created nor destroyed in the reaction.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions based on their molar ratios. In the context of the question, understanding the stoichiometric relationship between HCl and NaOH is essential to determine how much NaOH is needed to completely neutralize a given amount of HCl. This involves using the coefficients from the balanced equation to find the correct proportions.