e. Explain the similarity and difference in two events, namely adding NaOH to water and adding CaO to water.

Question

Explain the similarity and difference in two events, namely adding NaOH to water and adding CaO to water.

Answer 1

Chemical equations involved:

1) Reaction between NaOH and water 

 \({NaOH(s)+H2O(l)->{Na}^+_{(aq)} + OH^-_{(aq)} + \triangle (HEAT)}\)

2) Reaction between CaO and water 

\({CaO(s) + H2O(l) ->Ca(OH)2(aq) + \triangle(HEAT)}\)

Similarities:
1) Both of the equations are exothermic. It means a lot of heat is evolved during the reaction.
2) Both reactions from strong basic solutions.
Differences :
1) Sodium Hydroxide is a strong base dissociates to form Na⁺ and OH⁻ ion. While Calcium oxide added water to form Calcium Hydroxide which further dissociates.
2) NaOH is a monoacidic base. and CaO is a Di-Acidic base.