# A student adds dilute sulfuric acid to a solution of sodium hydroxide. Explain what happens during this reaction, including what type of reaction is taking place and how the products are formed.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) — 2.3 Acid-base and redox reactions · Explain · 5 marks

> Sodium hydroxide solution is a common alkali used in laboratories. When mixed with dilute sulfuric acid, a neutralisation reaction occurs, producing sodium sulfate and water.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. The reaction is a neutralisation (reaction) / acid-base reaction
2. The acid provides hydrogen ions / H⁺ ions (to the reaction)
3. The alkali / sodium hydroxide provides hydroxide ions / OH⁻ ions
4. The hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions react together to form water (H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O)
5. A salt (sodium sulfate) is also formed as a product of the reaction

## Key terms

- [acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/acid)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-adds-dilute-sulfuric-acid-44ff9cf1) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.