Acid-base reactions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify bases, predict the names and states of products from a neutralisation reaction and compare the properties of metal and non-metal oxides.
Key learning points
- A base is a substance that neutralises an acid to make salt and water only (this is a neutralisation reaction).
- Hydroxides are generally soluble bases (they contain OH⁻ ions).
- Metal oxides are bases that are generally insoluble.
- Non-metal oxides are soluble and form acidic solutions.
Keywords
Base - A substance that reacts with an acid to form a compound called a salt.
Soluble - A way of describing a substance that does dissolve in a particular solvent.
Insoluble - A way of describing a substance that does not dissolve in a particular solvent.
Hydroxide - A basic compound which contains an ion comprising of an oxygen and a hydrogen atom (OH⁻).
Neutralisation - A chemical reaction between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution including a salt and water.
Common misconception
Pupils often believe that acids 'eat' away at substances, e.g. acid rain and limestone, rather than understanding that this is a chemical reaction.
Using familiar reactions between acids and bases, e.g. hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide or calcium carbonate, will provide evidence that a reaction has taken place (i.e. a change in temperature or producing a gas).
Teacher tip
To accompany this topic, it is always a good idea to review ionic bonding and ionic formulae to help pupils with the formation, naming and writing of the salts formed.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the pH range of acids?
Q2.Which ion is primarily found in acids?
Q3.What is the pH range of bases?
Q4.Which ion is primarily found in bases?
Q5.What does the pH scale measure?
Q6.What is produced when an acid reacts with a base?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Complete the general equation for a neutralisation reaction:
acid + base -->
Q2. Which ion is released by acids in solution?
Q3.Which of the following statements are correct?
Q4.What type of solution do non-metal oxides form when they dissolve in water?
Q5.Are metal oxides generally soluble or insoluble in water?
Q6.What is another name for soluble bases?
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Acid-base reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 combined science lesson on: Acid-base reactions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Making salts unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.