Chemistry
Acids, Bases, and Salts
Intermediate
What is neutralization?
Best Answer
Answered: Jul 05, 2025
Neutralization is a chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base to form salt and water. It occurs when hydrogen ions (H⁺) from the acid combine with hydroxide ions (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O). The general equation is: Acid + Base → Salt + Water. An example is hydrochloric acid (HCl) reacting with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium chloride (NaCl) and water. Neutralization reactions are used in treating indigestion, reducing soil acidity, and treating wastewater.