Chemical ChangesDefinitions

Key Definitions

Part of Neutralisation ReactionsGCSE Chemistry

This definitions covers Key Definitions within Neutralisation Reactions for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Neutralisation Reactions in Chemical Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 6 of 13 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.

Topic position

Section 6 of 13

Practice

20 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📖 Key Definitions

Neutralisation: The reaction between an acid and a base (or alkali) to form a salt and water. The H⁺ ions from the acid react with the OH⁻ ions from the alkali: H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O.

Salt: An ionic compound formed when the H⁺ ions of an acid are replaced by metal ions (or ammonium ions). The name of the salt comes from the acid and the base used.

Base: A substance that neutralises an acid to form a salt and water. Bases include metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and metal carbonates.

Ionic equation for neutralisation: H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l) — this is the same for ALL acid-alkali neutralisations, regardless of which specific acid or alkali is used.

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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Neutralisation Reactions. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Neutralisation Reactions

Which word equation correctly represents a neutralisation reaction?

  • A. acid + metal → salt + hydrogen
  • B. acid + metal carbonate → salt + water + carbon dioxide
  • C. acid + metal oxide → salt + hydrogen
  • D. acid + alkali → salt + water
1 markfoundation

Explain why the ionic equation for any strong acid-alkali neutralisation is always H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l).

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

HNO₃ + NaOH → ?
NaNO₃ + H₂O (sodium nitrate + water)
HCl + NaOH → ?
NaCl + H₂O (sodium chloride + water)

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