When a chemical reaction takes place between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution of a metal salt and water.

A compound formed when an acid reacts with a base.

Formed when a substance is dissolved in water.

Chemical reactions: neutralisation

Science

In the unit Making salts, pupils will build on this knowledge to learn about the production of pure salts, and about why acids are acidic and how bases can neutralise them. 

In the Understanding Chemical Reactions unit, pupils learned how atoms rearrange to form new substances during chemical reactions.

This unit covers acids, alkalis, and their neutralisation reactions, the pH scale, and the reactions of acids with metals and alkalis. It also examines the chemical properties of metal and non-metal oxides. Emphasis is on evaluating risks, using appropriate techniques, and making observations.

Acids and bases

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Match the following state symbols to the correct state of matter of a substance in a chemical equation.

Sodium hydroxide is an alkali. When it reacts with hydrochloric acid, sodium chloride is formed. 
Which of the following words can be used to describe sodium chloride?

It stands for 'aqueous' which means a substance is dissolved in water.

Which of the following is the correct meaning of the state symbol (aq) in a chemical equation?

Which of the following chemicals could be used to neutralise an acid?

In a neutralisation reaction, the metal salt produced is named after the metal (base) and the acid used. 
What is the name and chemical formula of the metal salt formed when nitric acid is used?

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(aq)

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)

NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(s) + H₂O(l)

NaOH(aq) + HCl(l) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(aq)

Use the general equation base + acid → metal salt + water to select the correct chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid. 

What colour does universal indicator turn when a solution is neutral?

reactant is present in greater amounts than needed to completely react

Match the following key terms to their definitions.

The reaction between a metal oxide and an acid is known as a {{}} reaction.

Match the following chemical names to their symbols.

Which of the following is the name of the metal salt that is formed when sodium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid?

An alkali is a base that is soluble in water.

A base is a substance that can react with acid and neutralise it.

Which of the following statements about bases and alkalis are correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Chemical reactions: neutralisation

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.