Are neutralisation reactions exothermic?

Before we dive into the topic, we must know the following -

   

   1.  What are exothermic reactions?

   2.  What are neutralization reactions?

 What are exothermic reactions?

The reaction in which heat (energy) is liberated along with the products is called exothermic reaction.

  What are neutralization reactions?

The reactions in which an acid reacts with a base to produce salt and water, are called neutralization reactions.

Neutralization reactions are exothermic reactions

Acid and base get ionized in the solution. H⁺ ions from the acid combine with OH^- ions from the base and form water and other ions from the acid and base combine to form relevant salt.

`H^(+ ) + OH^(-)   →   H_2O`

Due to the formation of new bonds, heat is released during the neutralization reaction.

The heat released depends on the concentration of acid and base, so sometimes more heat is released and sometimes it may be less.

Releasing of heat also depends on the dissociation of acid and base.

If acid and base dissociate into ions completely, it means more new bonds are formed and more heat is released.

If acid and base dissociate partially then less heat is released.

 

Conclusion:-  More or less heat is released during the neutralization reaction so these reactions are exothermic.

Related Topics

1. What happens during a chemical reaction