Question
(c) Barry chews special chewing gum after each meal. The chewing gum neutralises the liquid in his mouth. What type of substance neutralises an acid? Tick the correct box. an acid square an alkali square an indicator square a solid square
Answer
3.9
(153 Votes)
Vincent
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
B
Explanation
Neutralising an acid involves a chemical reaction that is carried out by a group of substances known as bases or alkalis. An acid, by definition, generates surplus hydronium ions (H3O+) when dissolved in water. Bases or alkalis, on the other hand, are substances that generate surplus hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. Therefore, alkalis neutralise acids when combined, as the surplus H3O+ ions produced by the acid react with the surplus OH- ions produced by the alkali, resulting in neutral water (H2O). It's crucial to remember that solids and indicators don't neutralise acids. A solid can be acidic, alkaline or neutral but most of them will not cause neutralisation. Indicators are a kind of substance utilised to ascertain the pH of a solution; they won't cause a neutralisation reaction.