Answer the following: Name the salt formed when sulphuric acid is added to sodium hydroxide and write its pH.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:45 · grounding rag
Model Answer
When sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the salt formed is sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄).
$$\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2\text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$$
Since sulphuric acid is a strong acid and sodium hydroxide is a strong base, sodium sulphate is a neutral salt with pH = 7.
Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.4.2
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Explanation
- Examiners expect: name of salt, chemical equation (balanced), and the pH value with reasoning.
- Key rule to remember: Strong acid + Strong base → Neutral salt, pH = 7.
- Always justify the pH by stating the nature of the acid and base used — this earns the reasoning mark.
- Writing the balanced equation is important; note that 2 moles of NaOH are needed for H₂SO₄.