The reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and oxalic acid (H2C2O4) is as follows :
H2C2O4+2NaOH→Na2C2O4+2H2O
We can see that 1 mole of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) reacts with 2 moles of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Given that 50 mL of 0.5 M oxalic acid is needed to neutralize the sodium hydroxide, we can find the number of moles of oxalic acid that reacted :
Moles of H2C2O4=Molarity×Volume (L)=0.5mol/L×0.05L=0.025mol
Since 1 mole of H2C2O4 reacts with 2 moles of NaOH, the number of moles of NaOH in 25 mL solution would be twice that of H2C2O4 :
Moles of NaOH=0.025mol×2=0.05mol
Now, to find the mass of NaOH, we multiply the number of moles by the molar mass of NaOH (40 g/mol) :
Mass of NaOH=Number of moles×Molar mass=0.05mol×40g/mol=2g
However, the question asks for the amount of NaOH in 50 mL of the given solution. Since we've found the amount in 25 mL, we just need to double our result to find the amount in 50 mL :
2g×2=4g
So, the correct answer is Option B : 4 g.