Question

Which of the following is not a characteristic of a neutralisation reaction?

• A. Temperature of the reaction mixture.
• B. Heat is evolved.
• C. Salt and water are formed.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Heat is evolved.

Answer 2

A neutralization reaction is defined as the reaction between an acid and a base, typically forming a salt and water. This means option (C) is always a characteristic. Neutralization reactions are generally exothermic, meaning heat is evolved, which leads to an increase in the temperature of the reaction mixture. Thus, options (A) and (B) are generally considered characteristics. However, the enthalpy of neutralization for weak acid-weak base reactions can be close to zero or even slightly endothermic, meaning heat is not always evolved in every single neutralization reaction. Therefore, "Heat is evolved" is not a universal characteristic of all neutralization reactions.