Question

During science lab, Jacob mixes together sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The two chemicals react to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water (H2O).
Which of the following are reactants in the chemical reaction described above?
A.
hydrochloric acid and water
B.
sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid
C.
sodium hydroxide and sodium chloride
D.
sodium chloride and water

Answer 1

B. Sodium hydroxide and Hydrochloric acid

Further explanation

Chemical equations can be expressed in terms of

• word reaction
• formula reaction

In a chemical reaction, there are several components, including reactants, products, and compounds that react in the form of solids, gases, and liquids

Reactants are compounds that react and form products

The reactants are generally to the left of the chemical equation and the products are to the right of the reaction

The statement of the word reaction above can be expressed by the reaction formula

$\tt NaOH+HCl\rightarrow NaCl+H_2O$

This reaction is called a neutralization reaction because it involves acids(HCl) and bases(NaOH) and produces salt(NaCl)and water(H₂O)

From the reaction above, the reactants on the left are NaOH and HCl compounds