Question

In a chemical reaction, 36 grams of hydrochloric acid reacts with 40 grams of sodium hydroxide to produce sodium chloride and water. Which statement is correct?
The mass of water formed is 76 grams.
The mass of sodium chloride formed is 76 grams.
The mass of water formed is greater than 76 grams.
The mass of sodium chloride formed is less than 76 grams.

Answer 1

The mass of sodium chloride is less then 76g. Explanation: NaOH is limiting reagent (1 mol), HCl is excessive reagent (>1 mol). NaCl will be 1 mol (equal to NaOH) in the reaction: HCl + NaOH -> NaCl + H2O. Mass of NaCl will be: 1 mol * 58.5 g/mol = 58.5 g < 76 g.

Answer 2

The answer is The mass of sodium chloride formed is less than 76 grams.

Remember Mass is never gained or loss in any chemical reactions

So,

hydrochloric acid  + sodium hydroxide  =>  sodium chloride + water
                          Total 76 gram                         Total will also 76 gram

In this case, the mass of sodium chloride will be less than 76 gram because we need to take out the mass of the water.