Solving the Mystery of NaOH + H2O Reaction

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SUMMARY

The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and water (H2O) results in the ionization of NaOH, leading to the formation of hydroxide ions (OH-) and sodium ions (Na+). This ionization occurs because ionic solids, such as NaOH, dissociate in water due to thermodynamic favorability, enhancing their solubility. For a deeper understanding of this process, refer to resources that explain solubility and ionic dissociation in detail.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ionic compounds and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of chemical reactions and solubility
  • Familiarity with thermodynamics in chemistry
  • Concept of ionization and dissociation in aqueous solutions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the solubility rules for ionic compounds in water
  • Study the principles of thermodynamics related to chemical reactions
  • Learn about the process of ionization in aqueous solutions
  • Explore the concept of dissociation and its impact on solution chemistry
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Chemistry students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the behavior of ionic compounds in aqueous solutions.

Moe_slow
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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?
 
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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
 

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