Which balanced equation represents the neutralization of sulfuric acid with sodium hydroxide?

Which balanced equation represents the neutralization of sulfuric acid with sodium hydroxide?

• A. H2SO4 + NaOH -> NaHSO4 + H2O
• B. 2 NaOH + H2SO4 -> Na2SO4 + 2 H2O
• C. H2SO4 + NaOH -> Na2SO4 + H2O
• D. H2SO4 + 2 NaOH -> Na2SO4 + 2 H2O

Answer: (D)

Neutralization involves an acid reacting with a base to form a salt and water. Sulfuric acid is diprotic, meaning it can donate two H+ ions. Each hydroxide ion from sodium hydroxide neutralizes one of those protons, so you need two NaOH molecules to completely neutralize one H2SO4 molecule. The two Na+ ions then pair with the sulfate to form sodium sulfate, and the remaining hydrogen and oxygen atoms form water molecules. The balanced equation reflecting this full neutralization is 2 NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2 H2O. This arrangement preserves the number of each type of atom and the overall charge, giving a neutral salt and water. The other options either show incomplete neutralization or are not balanced in atoms and charge, so they don’t correctly represent the neutralization.

Neutralization involves an acid reacting with a base to form a salt and water. Sulfuric acid is diprotic, meaning it can donate two H+ ions. Each hydroxide ion from sodium hydroxide neutralizes one of those protons, so you need two NaOH molecules to completely neutralize one H2SO4 molecule. The two Na+ ions then pair with the sulfate to form sodium sulfate, and the remaining hydrogen and oxygen atoms form water molecules. The balanced equation reflecting this full neutralization is 2 NaOH + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + 2 H2O. This arrangement preserves the number of each type of atom and the overall charge, giving a neutral salt and water. The other options either show incomplete neutralization or are not balanced in atoms and charge, so they don’t correctly represent the neutralization.