After combining the HCl and NaOH, what is done next in the neutralization experiment?

In a neutralization experiment involving hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH), after the two substances are combined, the next crucial step is to take temperature readings. This is significant because the neutralization reaction between an acid and a base is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. By measuring the temperature immediately after mixing, one can observe the change in temperature that results from the reaction. This data is essential for calculating the energy released during the neutralization process.

Waiting for 10 minutes would not provide an accurate reflection of the immediate effects of the reaction and could lead to a loss of heat measurement accuracy, as the temperature could stabilize or change due to other environmental factors. Adding more HCl would disrupt the neutralization process since it would shift the balance back toward acidity, defeating the aim of achieving a neutral solution. Placing the mixture in a refrigerator would lower the temperature and potentially stop the reaction from proceeding correctly, which is counterproductive to observing the reaction's thermal changes. Hence, taking temperature readings is the correct and most relevant action to follow after mixing the two reactants.