acid-base reactions?

Question

What is some evidence in acid-base reactions? In other words, when observing an acid-base reaction, what might one see? Also, is HC2H3O2 + CaOH and acid-base reaction and if so, how would you write the balanced equation. Thanks!

Answer 1

Its often hard to "see" an acid base reaction because the solutions tend to be clear. That's why an indicator is added to titrate the reaction. They are exothermic, you would feel heat.

Your reaction is acetic acid plus calcium hydroxide. The correct formula is Ca(OH)2

So the equation is

2HC2H3O2 + Ca(OH)2 == Ca(C2H3O2)2 + 2H2O

Answer 2

You might observe any one or more of the following when you add an acid to water, or to a base.

1. Temperature change of the solution (and container!)
2. Formation of a salt (i.e. visible precipitation).
3. Change in the color of phenolphthalein (or some other) indicator if you're using it.
4. Change in readout of response of pH meter (again if using)
5. Formation of a gas (i.e. ammonia, carbon dioxide, or the like).
(Usually experienced as an ammonia smell or bubbling CO2)
Again depending on what acid-base rxn you're playing with.

There are others, depending on what acids or bases you are adding to what.

Answer 3

Acid + Base = H2O + Salt (a neutral compound with a cation and a anion)
Sometimes you should see small amount of fizz; other time not much happens.

2HC2H3O2 + Ca(OH)2 -> 2H2O + Ca(C2H3O2)2
Acetic + Calcium Hydroxide yields Water and Calcium Acetate.