Neutralization Reaction is a chemical reaction between an acid and a base that results in the formation of water and a salt. Neutralization sounds simple but it has many applications that affect different aspects of our lives on a daily basis. In this article, we will learn about various applications of neutralization reaction in our daily life.
Real Life Applications of Neutralization Reaction
Neutralization reaction involves the reaction between acid and base in which both cancel out each other’s effect, thus forming salt and water. This chemical process can be represented by the following general equation:
Acid + Base → Salt + Water
Neutralization reactions happen regularly in our daily lives and are not just found in laboratory investigations. The following are practical uses for neutralization reactions:
Relieving Indigestion
- Antacids are helpful when we get heartburn or indigestion from too much stomach acid.
- These drugs include weak bases, such as aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide.
- By neutralizing stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) by a reaction between these bases, discomfort can be relieved.
Treatment of Soil
- There is a particular pH range in the soil where plants grow well.
- Too much acidity in the soil might prevent plant growth.
- Farmers neutralize acidic soil with a basic substance called lime (calcium carbonate).
- This procedure, known as liming, that maintains the pH of the soil which is suitable for the plant growth.
Food Preservation
- The concepts of neutralization are the foundation of some food preservation methods, such as pickling.
- Weak acids like vinegar prevent bacteria from growing and ruining food.
- Furthermore, brines containing salt (sodium chloride) are occasionally used in the pickling process.
- This can improve the texture and flavor of some vegetables by counteracting their inherent alkalinity.
Cleaning Supplies
- Neutralization reactions are used in a lot of household cleaning supplies.
- To make cleaning easier, certain oven cleansers, for example, have strong bases that neutralize the acidic grease and filth.
- Similar to this, some bathroom cleansers have moderate acids in their formulation that help counteract mineral deposits and alkaline soap scum.
Industrial process
- Neutralization reactions play a vital role in a variety of industrial processes.
- Basic solutions are utilized in wastewater treatment plants, for instance, to counteract the acidic wastewater produced by industrial processes.
- This stops dangerous acidic pollutants from being released into the environment.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
- Maintaining the pH of a swimming pool at a certain level is very important for swimmer comfort and proper operation of the chemicals in the pool.
- Most often, slight basic chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or sodium carbonate (washing soda) are used to increase the pH of pools when it becomes too acidic due to external factors or pool chemicals like chlorine.
Insect Bite and Sting
- Bites and stings from insects introduce formic acid into the skin that leads to discomfort and inflammation.
- Formic acid can be neutralized by weak bases such as baking soda or calamine lotion (which contains zinc oxide, a mild base), leading to less pain and inflammation.
FAQs on Applications of Neutralization Reaction in Daily Life
What happens if neutralization is not performed properly?
A partial or improper neutralization might have a number of negative effects. It might lead to ongoing discomfort in the event of indigestion. Plant growth may be inhibited or maybe die in soil with an excessive pH. Ignoring neutralization in industrial processes could lead to environmental harm.
Can neutralization reactions be dangerous?
While most neutralization reactions used in everyday life are safe, some industrial applications involve handling strong acids and bases, which can be hazardous. It’s crucial to follow proper safety protocols when working with such chemicals.
Are there any alternatives to neutralization?
In some cases, alternative methods exist for achieving similar results. For example, some antacids work by physically coating the stomach lining to protect it from acid, not necessarily through neutralization.
Can neutralization be reversed?
Neutralization reactions are irreversible. Once an acid and a base react to form a salt and water, the process cannot be directly reversed to regenerate the original acid and base. However, they can be reversed in specific case of acid-base equilibrium