CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY

Is a neutralization reaction always exothermic?

yes, i think they are always exothermic because when the acid and base react, bonds are formed to create the salt and water. This releases energy to the surroundings which would constitute an exothermic reaction

yes because bonds are being made, causing energy to be released into the surrounding

No it can be endothermic in certain situations

Catabolic reactions, or reactions that break bonds, release energy and are therefore exothermic. (Think about ATP - when the phosphate group is broken off, energy is released). Because of this, I'm pretty sure neutralization is exothermic because of the acid and base bonds it breaks, not because of the water that forms.

I think it's always exothermic because the only change in bonds is the formation of water molecules. Since the other ions are dissolved in water, they don't have a change in bonds.

I believe they are always exothermic because the acids and bases are breaking bonds.