Equation for NaOH + H2O (Sodium hydroxide + Water)

In this video we will describe the equation NaOH + H2O and write what happens when NaOH is dissolved in water.

When NaOH is dissolved in H2O (water) it will dissociate (dissolve) into Na+ and OH- ions. To show that they are dissolved in water we can write (aq) after each. The (aq) shows that they are aqueous – dissolved in water.

The equation for NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) and H2O sometimes isn’t considered a chemical reaction since it is easy to change the Na+ and OH- back to NaOH (just let the H2O evaporate). At the same time, the NaOH is a very different substance than Na+ and OH-.

If you need to know how to balance chemical reactions, see my complete tutorial on balancing all types of chemical equations:

Drawing/writing done in InkScape. Screen capture done with Camtasia Studio 4.0. Done on a Dell Dimension laptop computer with a Wacom digital tablet (Bamboo).

[Bala-ojbm]

You have covered like every high school chemical reaction in the history of the world I think.

[ryan-mqgd]

everytime i search for answers youre always there on youtube, thanks a lot!

[dane]

But the equation doesn't seem to be balanced with ions is it really right?

[selmaardwinta]

What's the balanced equation? the H in the right and left side isnt the same

[nahuelgarcia]

Thanks a lot! With what little I know of english I understood everything, you saved me hours before my exam. Greetings from Argentina!

[pukimakpogoignAnkuker]

May I know the net ionic eqn for this? NaOh(s) + H20...

[nicolemg]

is it a two way reaction (equilibrium) or just forward?

[enriquejimeneztrejo]

Hello!. What happens when we apply electrical current? I'd like to know. Thankyou

[mortalux]

i would like to know why NaOH + H2O =/= NaO + H3O. it makes sense, a base gives an acide and both are the same ionisation of -1 and +1 still. I am very confused as to why that is.

[BatsuuritTsolmon]

Sodium hydroxide is highly soluble in water and release heat lead to water boiled NaOH+H20 and break apart sodium and hydroxide ions and Na+ and OH- ions causes them exothermic
reaction

[sundeepradhakrishnan]

Why does the bonds of NaOH break on adding water?

[JoaoVitor-goph]

Why is 1 molecule of H2O enough to make both Na+ and OH- aquous?
I mean, shouldn't there be one molecule of water for each ion ?

[rdxedits]

Tomorrow is my exam and i need this thanks sir 👀😉

[selenabass]

Thank you!!! I’m hopefully not gonna kill my chem grade tomorrow!✌️💕

[janaey]

What is the net equation for this? The NaOH doesn't separate because of the solid state right?

[gumbling]

For everyone asking why the equation is unbalanced, since the (aq) is present on the products but (s) is on the reactant, it's already assumed that water is a part of it. Therefore, you can remove the H2O from the equation, so it's just like a net ionic equation.

[CaptainDeliciousPants]

What if the NaOH compound was in its liquid form like in a titration? Is the same reaction still applies?

[discostick]

I have to do the electrolysis of NaOH + H2O . I mean I know H+ goes to A(-) and OH- goes to K(+) : 4oh- -4e- = 2h2o + o2 .
Now my problem is writing the general formula after the electrolysis .
Is it NaOH+H2O->NaOH+2H2O+O2 or what ?!!!??

[Maoonstboss]

1:16
You mean that if i didnt put (aq) i should put +H2O??

[venanciolima]

Wayne, could I also represent it adding H2O to the product instead of "(aq)"? If so, how would the reaction be represented?