Salts from acid-base reactions
Salts are named after the metal from the base used and name of the group of the acid used to form the salt. Thus,
- Sodium hydroxide + Hydrochloric acid gives Sodium chloride + Water
- Calcium hydroxide + Nitric acid gives Calcium nitrate + Water
- Magnesium hydroxide + Sulphuric acid gives Magnesium sulphate + Water
Salts, thus formed by the reaction of an acid and a base, are obtained as dissolved in water. It is easy to boil off the water and leave the concentrated solution to evaporate over a few days. Salts appear as tiny crystals. Each salt has characteristic color and shape of its crystals.