Which statement about a neutralization between a strong acid and a strong base is true?

Which statement about a neutralization between a strong acid and a strong base is true?

• A. The solution becomes acidic
• B. The solution is basic
• C. The solution is neutral
• D. The solution forms a gas

Answer: (C)

When a strong acid reacts with a strong base, the hydronium ions from the acid combine with hydroxide ions from the base to form water, and both the acid and base are consumed. Because both are strong, there’s no leftover H+ or OH− to tilt the solution toward acidity or basicity. The salt formed from the ions (like NaCl) does not hydrolyze to change the pH, so the resulting solution is neutral—pH ≈ 7 at standard conditions. An example is HCl reacting with NaOH to give NaCl and H2O. Gas isn’t produced here, and having excess acid or base would make the solution acidic or basic, which doesn’t occur at the neutralization point.

When a strong acid reacts with a strong base, the hydronium ions from the acid combine with hydroxide ions from the base to form water, and both the acid and base are consumed. Because both are strong, there’s no leftover H+ or OH− to tilt the solution toward acidity or basicity. The salt formed from the ions (like NaCl) does not hydrolyze to change the pH, so the resulting solution is neutral—pH ≈ 7 at standard conditions. An example is HCl reacting with NaOH to give NaCl and H2O. Gas isn’t produced here, and having excess acid or base would make the solution acidic or basic, which doesn’t occur at the neutralization point.