Here's what happens:
* The reaction:
* NH₄Cl (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) + H₂O (l) + NH₃ (g)
* Explanation:
* Ammonium chloride is an acidic salt, and sodium hydroxide is a strong base.
* When they react, the ammonium ion (NH₄⁺) from the ammonium chloride reacts with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from the sodium hydroxide to form ammonia (NH₃) and water (H₂O).
* The remaining ions, sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻), remain in solution as sodium chloride (NaCl).
* Key points:
* The reaction releases ammonia gas (NH₃), which has a characteristic pungent odor.
* The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
* The solution will be slightly basic due to the presence of ammonia.
In summary, the reaction between ammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide is a neutralization reaction that produces ammonia gas, water, and sodium chloride.
