The salt formed when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) reacts with an acid depends on the specific acid used. Here's how to figure it out:

Understanding the Reaction

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base. When it reacts with an acid, a neutralization reaction occurs, forming:

* Salt: A compound formed from the positive ion of the base (sodium, Na+) and the negative ion of the acid.

* Water: H+ from the acid and OH- from the base combine to form H2O.

Examples

Here are some examples with different acids:

* Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):

* Reaction: NaOH + HCl → NaCl + H2O

* Salt formed: Sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt.

* Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4):

* Reaction: 2 NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2 H2O

* Salt formed: Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4)

* Nitric Acid (HNO3):

* Reaction: NaOH + HNO3 → NaNO3 + H2O

* Salt formed: Sodium nitrate (NaNO3)

General Rule:

To determine the salt formed, simply replace the hydrogen (H+) in the acid with the sodium ion (Na+).