NH₄Cl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l) + NH₃(g)
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
* Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) is a salt that dissolves in water to form ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻).
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissolves in water to form sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
The reaction:
* Hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the sodium hydroxide react with ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) from the ammonium chloride.
* This reaction produces ammonia gas (NH₃), which is released into the air.
* Water (H₂O) is also produced.
* Sodium chloride (NaCl), which is common table salt, remains dissolved in the solution.
The overall reaction is an acid-base neutralization reaction. Ammonium chloride acts as a weak acid, while sodium hydroxide acts as a strong base. The reaction produces a neutral salt (sodium chloride) and water.
Key observations:
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat and the solution will become warmer.
* A strong ammonia odor will be present due to the release of ammonia gas.
* If you're performing this reaction in a lab, you'll likely see bubbles forming as ammonia gas escapes from the solution.
