Balancing Double Replacement Equations: HCl + NaOH

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SUMMARY

The double replacement reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is already balanced as written: HCl + NaOH ---> NaCl + H2O. Each element is accounted for with two hydrogens, one oxygen, one sodium, and one chloride on both sides of the equation. The hydroxide (OH) group should be treated as a single entity when balancing, but it can also be viewed in terms of its constituent ions for clarity.

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touma
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I have a lab report to do with some different reactions to balance. I'm having a little trouble with a few so pleasee help!

In the following Double Replacement Reaction equation:
HCl + NaOH ---> NaCl + H2O

How can I balance this equation? When balancing it, do I need to regard the Hydroxide as different elements or just as one compound. If I thought them as different elements, there would be 1 H on one side of the yield and two H on the other side.
If that was the case, I would just add another H to the left side of the yield sign but then the Oxygens woul dbe unequal causing a chain reactio of problems!
Sorry if this is confusing, but please help!
Thanks!
 
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touma, I think it is already balanced.
 
Oh ok! So the OH acts seperatly! Ok thanks.
 
You want to count elements.

There are 2 hydrogens on the left and 2 on the right.
There is 1 oxygen on the left and 1 on the right.
Same for sodium and chloride.

If you want to see it in terms of cations and anions you can look at it as:

HCl + NaOH ---> NaCl + HOH
 

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