Chemical reactions: neutralisation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what happens during a neutralisation reaction and write word and symbol equations to represent different neutralisation reactions.
Key learning points
- Neutralisation reaction general equation is: base + acid → metal salt + water.
- Sodium hydroxide has the formula NaOH(aq) and hydrochloric acid has the formula HCl(aq).
- In a neutralisation reaction, the metal salt formed is named after the metal (from the base) and acid used.
- Common bases include metal oxides and hydroxides.
- (s), (l), (g) and (aq) in chemical equations identify the state of each substance as solid, liquid, gas or in solution.
Keywords
Neutralisation - When a chemical reaction takes place between an acid and base to produce a neutral solution of a metal salt and water.
Metal salt - A compound formed when an acid reacts with a base.
Aqueous solution (aq) - Formed when a substance is dissolved in water.
Common misconception
Pupils often do not understand what neutralisation is i.e. exactly the correct quantities of components from the acid and base combined to form water.
It is worth emphasising that water is formed and it is this which is neutral as it contains the hydrogen and oxygen atoms from the acid and base.
Teacher tip
When carrying out neutralisation pupils often miss neutral as they do not add the alkali one drop at a time. Demonstrate how to 'shake' the test tube safely from side to side to mix the acid and alkali after each drop. Use tables in additional material to help pupils with Task B part 4.
Equipment
Test tubes, test tube rack, plastic pipettes, dilute acid, dilute alkali, universal indicator solution in dropper bottles, universal indicator colour scale.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What colour does universal indicator turn when a solution is neutral?
Q2.Match the following key terms to their definitions.
Q3.The reaction between a metal oxide and an acid is known as a reaction.
Q4.Match the following chemical names to their symbols.
Q5.Which of the following is the name of the metal salt that is formed when sodium hydroxide reacts with nitric acid?
Q6.Which of the following statements about bases and alkalis are correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following state symbols to the correct state of matter of a substance in a chemical equation.
Q2.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?
Q3.Which of the following is the correct meaning of the state symbol (aq) in a chemical equation?
Q4.Which of the following chemicals could be used to neutralise an acid?
Q5.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?
Q6.Use the general equation base + acid → metal salt + water to select the correct chemical equation for the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid.
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: neutralisation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: Chemical reactions: neutralisation, 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 3 science lessons from the Acids and bases unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.