Solving the Mystery of NaOH + H2O Reaction

[Moe_slow]

I have trouble trying to figure out what happens to this reaction:

NaOH(s)+H2O(l)->

my first thought was that maybe nothing happened but then moved on to wondering wether it ionizes. can someone explain to me what happens and maybe why it does?

 

[Gokul43201]

You wondered correctly. Ionic solids tend to dissociate in water (this is what makes them soluble).

As to why this happens, the short (and both uninsightful as well as unsatisfying) answer is that some ionization (or dissociation) is thermodynamically favored. For a more intuitive explanation, see for example:

http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/blsolubility.htm

 

[Blueshift5]

I can provide an explanation for the reaction between NaOH and H2O. When NaOH (sodium hydroxide) is added to H2O (water), it dissociates into its ions, Na+ and OH-. This is known as ionization.

The Na+ ions and OH- ions then interact with the water molecules. The OH- ions attract the partially positive hydrogen atoms in the water molecules, forming hydrogen bonds. This process is known as hydration.

The result of this reaction is the formation of a basic solution, as the OH- ions increase the concentration of hydroxide ions in the water. This can also be seen by the increase in pH, as the solution becomes more alkaline.

In summary, the reaction between NaOH and H2O involves the ionization of NaOH and the hydration of its ions, resulting in the formation of a basic solution. This reaction is important in various industries, such as in the production of soaps and detergents, as well as in chemical synthesis processes. I hope this explanation helps to solve the mystery of the NaOH + H2O reaction.