Let's analyze the given chemical equation step-by-step:
[tex]\[ \text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2 \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \][/tex]
This is a neutralization reaction, where an acid reacts with a base to form a salt and water. Let's break down the components of this equation:
1. H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric Acid):
- This is the acid in the reaction. Sulfuric acid is a strong acid.
2. NaOH (Sodium Hydroxide):
- This is the base in the reaction. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base.
3. Na₂SO₄ (Sodium Sulfate):
- This is the product formed from the reaction. When an acid and a base react, they typically form a salt and water.
4. H₂O (Water):
- Water is another product of the neutralization reaction.
Now, in the context of the products:
- H₂O is clearly water.
- Na₂SO₄ is the compound we need to classify. In a neutralization reaction, a salt is formed when the positive ion (cation) from the base (Na⁺ from NaOH) combines with the negative ion (anion) from the acid (SO₄²⁻ from H₂SO₄).
Since we have concluded that NaOH is a base and H₂SO₄ is an acid, the product Na₂SO₄ must be the salt formed from this neutralization reaction.
Therefore, the substance [tex]\( \text{Na}_2\text{SO}_4 \)[/tex] is a salt.
