Question

How is a neutralization reaction different from a single-displacement reaction?

Answer 1

A neutralization is not like a single replacement reaction. It is a double replacement reaction.

An acid and base neutralization involves an aqueous acid solution and an aqueous base solution combining in a double replacement reaction to form a salt and water.

Nitric acid plus calcium hydroxide yield calcium nitrate and water

`2HNO_3` + `Ca(OH)_2` -------> `Ca(NO_3)_2` + `2H_2O`

`HNO_3` has a leading hydrogen, usually a tip off that this is an acid
`Ca(OH)_2` has a trailing hydroxide usually a tip off that this is a base

The positive ion `Ca^+2` from the base joins the negative ion `NO_3` from the acid to form the salt. `Ca(NO_3)_2`

The `H^+` from the acid joins the `OH^-` from the base to form water `H_2O`

Since both partners in the reactants are changing to new partners in the products this is a double replacement reaction.

Always in a neutralization reaction the products are two neutral substance salt and water.

I hope this was helpful.
SMARTERTEACHER