What is formed when an acid reacts with a base?

When an acid reacts with a base, the primary products formed are a salt and water in a process known as neutralization. In this reaction, the acid donates protons (H⁺ ions), while the base provides hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The combination of these ions leads to the formation of water (H₂O) as H⁺ and OH⁻ combine. Additionally, the remaining ions from the acid and base will interact to create a salt, which is an ionic compound.

This neutralization reaction can be represented simply as: Acid + Base → Salt + Water.

For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) produces sodium chloride (NaCl, a salt) and water. Understanding this fundamental reaction is key in various applications, including titration experiments in chemistry and industrial processes.