* NaCl is a salt: Sodium chloride is formed by the reaction of a strong acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide, NaOH).
* Strong acids and bases completely dissociate: When dissolved in water, strong acids and bases break apart into their ions, releasing H+ (acid) or OH- (base) ions.
* Neutralization: The reaction of a strong acid and a strong base results in complete neutralization, meaning all H+ and OH- ions combine to form water (H2O).
* No excess ions: Since the acid and base completely react, there are no excess H+ or OH- ions left in the solution.
* Neutral pH: With no excess H+ or OH- ions, the solution has a pH close to 7, which is the pH of pure water.
Therefore, a solution of sodium chloride in pure water will be essentially neutral.
