Chemical reactions: neutralisation
I can describe what happens during a neutralisation reaction and write word and symbol equations to represent different neutralisation reactions.
Chemical reactions: neutralisation
I can describe what happens during a neutralisation reaction and write word and symbol equations to represent different neutralisation reactions.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
Equipment
Test tubes, test tube rack, plastic pipettes, dilute acid, dilute alkali, universal indicator solution in dropper bottles, universal indicator colour scale.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
metal atoms bonded to oxygen atoms
non–metal atoms bonded to oxygen atoms
reactant is present in greater amounts than needed to completely react
will not dissolve in a solvent
Na
S
HCl
CuO
SO₂
Exit quiz
6 Questions
solid
liquid
gas
dissolved in water