Sodium hydroxide, also known as caustic soda, and chemical formula is NaOH. The molar mass of sodium hydroxide is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements.
To calculate the molar mass of sodium hydroxide.
Sodium (Na) is 22.99 g/mol,
Oxygen (O) is 16.00 g/mol.
Hydrogen (H) is 1.01 g/mol.
The molar mass of NaOH can be calculated as follows:
Molar mass of NaOH = (molar mass of Na) + (molar mass of O) + (molar mass of H)
= 22.99 + 16.00 + 1.01
= 39.99 g/mol
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Sodium Hydroxide Density
The density of sodium hydroxide varies depending on its concentration. And the concentration of solutions ranges from very dilute (0.5%) to very concentrated (50%).
The density of a 50% sodium hydroxide solution is approximately 1.525 g/mL at room temperature. The density of other concentrations will be different.
Sodium Hydroxide Melting Point
The melting point of sodium hydroxide is 318.4 °C (605.1 °F) at standard atmospheric pressure.
It is solid at room temperature and is usually found in the form of pellets or flakes. When it is heated above its melting point, sodium hydroxide melts and becomes liquid.
Sodium Hydroxide Solution
Sodium hydroxide solution, also called caustic soda solution, sodium hydroxide is a strong base, and its solution is highly alkaline (or alkaline).
Sodium hydroxide solution is primarily used in a wide range of industrial and laboratory applications, such as in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, paper, and textiles. And it is used in the petroleum industry to refine crude oil as well as in the production of various chemicals such as plastics and pharmaceuticals.
Preparation Solution
NaOH solution is prepared by dissolving pellets or flakes of solid sodium hydroxide in water. The steps for preparing sodium hydroxide solution are as follows:
Materials
- Sodium hydroxide pellets.
- Flakes distilled or deionized water.
- Glass beaker or another suitable container.
- Stirring rod.
- PPE, such as gloves and goggles.
Procedure
Before using sodium hydroxide, wear all protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, to avoid injury.
Take the required amount of sodium hydroxide. For example, to prepare a 1 M sodium hydroxide solution, 40 grams of sodium hydroxide are required for every liter of water.
Take the measured amount of sodium hydroxide in a dry and clean glass beaker.
Slowly add distilled or deionized water to the container while stirring with a glass rod. Be careful when adding water, as the reaction between sodium hydroxide and water is highly exothermic and produces a lot of heat.
Mix until all the sodium hydroxide dissolves in water. The resulting solution should be clear and colorless.
Allow the solution to cool before use.
Note: Sodium hydroxide is a highly hazardous chemical that must be handled cautiously. Avoid inhaling its fumes or getting it in contact with your skin or eyes.
The reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide
The reaction between hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a neutralization reaction, where an acid and a base react to produce salt and water. The chemical equation for the reaction is:
HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
In this reaction, the hydrogen ions (H+) of hydrochloric acid react with the hydroxide ions (OH-) of sodium hydroxide to form water (H2O). The sodium ions (Na+) from sodium hydroxide combine with the chloride ions (Cl-) from hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride (NaCl), which is a salt.
This reaction is highly exothermic, it releases a large amount of heat. This is because the reaction produces water, which has a more stable chemical structure than the reactants.
