Neutralisation is a chemical reaction in which an acid and a base react quantitatively to form water and a salt.

Definition: Neutralisation is the process where an acid and a base react to form water and a salt.

General Equation: Acid + Base → Salt + Water.

Example Reaction: Hydrochloric acid (HCl) + Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) → Sodium chloride (NaCl) + Water (H₂O).

pH Change: During neutralisation, the pH of the solution moves towards 7 (neutral), depending on the strength of the acid and base involved.

Heat Release: The reaction is usually exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

Application in Titration: Neutralisation is a key concept in titration, a method to determine the concentration of an acid or base in a solution.

Everyday Examples:

Antacids: Neutralise stomach acid to relieve heartburn.

Agriculture: Lime (calcium carbonate) is used to neutralise acidic soils.

Water Treatment: Neutralisation of acidic wastewater to prevent environmental damage.

Indicators: Substances like litmus or phenolphthalein are used to indicate the completion of the neutralisation reaction by changing color.