The Reaction
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacts with solid sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in a neutralization reaction to produce:
* Sodium chloride (NaCl), which dissolves in water to form an aqueous solution.
* Water (H₂O).
The Balanced Chemical Equation
```
HCl(aq) + NaOH(s) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)
```
Explanation
* HCl (hydrochloric acid) is a strong acid, meaning it readily donates hydrogen ions (H⁺).
* NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is a strong base, meaning it readily accepts hydrogen ions.
* When they react, the H⁺ from the acid combines with the OH⁻ from the base to form water (H₂O).
* The remaining ions, Na⁺ and Cl⁻, then combine to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which is soluble in water.
In summary, the products of the reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are sodium chloride and water.