Definition of Neutralisation

Definition: Neutralisation

Neutralisation is the reaction between hydrogen ions () from an acid and hydroxide ions () from an alkali to form water molecules.

The Ionic Equation

For any reaction between a strong acid and a strong alkali, the ionic equation is identical:

Thermochemistry Link

Because the underlying reaction: is the same for all strong acid/alkali pairs, the Enthalpy Change of Neutralisation () is roughly constant at:


Formation of Salts

A Salt is a chemical compound formed when the hydrogen ions () in an acid is replaced by a metal ion (or ammonium ion, ).